Sunday, November 10 2024

Viana do Castelo once used to be the largest Portuguese port. Today it is just a picturesque seaside town enjoying the peaceful life and welcoming with open arms everyone who came here to discover its charm.

Viana do Castelo does not belong to places known worldwide. However for Portugal, it used to be just as important as Lisbon or Porto, from which it is located around sixty kilometres to the north. Viana, how the locals call the city shortly, is situated on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the nice river Lima. It is part of the Minho region, named after the Minho river, which forms here a natural border between Portugal and Spain. The town has about 25 thousand inhabitants, there are many historical monuments and also the beaches waiting for the lovers of the summer swimming.

VIANA DO CASTELO photo
Photo by LUIS FELICIANO

Viana do Castelo is situated on the place of the former Roman town of Diana, but the oldest inhabitants of this area, were already Celts. Ancestors of today’s Portuguese settled here in the 9th century and founded a small fishing village of Viana da Foz do Lima. The current name of the city dates back only to the 19th century. The former village was a frequent target of pirates, the turning point came in 1258 when the king visited Viana and changed its rights to the city. Small fishing village quickly transformed into a major trading port from which ships sailed all around the world. Viana was for years the largest port in Portugal, its greatest development was in the 15th and 16th century when it was a place of discovering ship’s production.

Thank to the trades with Brazil, the city quickly grew rich, which reflected also in the construction of Renaissance and Baroque palaces, many of which are still standing. The importance of port disappeared with the transfer of port wine exports.

You will get to the old times by walking through the picturesque historic center, which is formed by the square Praca da Republica. The biggest attractions include the former town hall with Gothic arches, Renaissance palace Misericórdia and fountain from the 16th century. From the square you can easily get lost in some of the many winding and narrow streets, that have a unique charm thanks to the original small lodges.

Viana do Castelo is home to many churches, the towers of which form distinctive city skyline. One of the oldest of them is Gothic Cathedral from the 15th century. You should not miss a visit to the Templo de Sagrado Coração de Jesus at the top of Monte de Santa Luzia, which is the hill above the town. Here you can get by walking through the romantic streets or you can take the cable car, which departs from the local railway station. Templo de Sagrado Coração de Jesus was built in the first half of the 20th century and if you want you can get up to its tip! As the reward for a long way up will be the beautiful views of the city, Lima river Valley and the broad Atlantic coast. Just behind the church you can visit the Celtic settlement excavations of 4th century BC “Citania de Santa Luzia”.

VIANA DO CASTELO photo
Photo by kike.matas

Santuario de Santa Lucia, Viana do Castelo. Portugal

Besides the historical monuments Viana do Castelo is also a city of the traditions and folklore. You can buy typical local handicrafts in the charming small shops throughout the city. The traditions of the city include also a romantic boating on the river Lima, or common folk festivals in the streets.

Viana offers several beaches. Those on the Atlantic coast are for more adventurous and hardened swimmers as frequent waves and strong wind do not promise a relaxing swim. Fortunately, about half a kilometer from the town center, on the right bank of the river Lima, you will find the picturesque beach of Praia da Argacosa, protected from cold winds and wild waves.

Travel agencies usually neglect Viana do Castelo, which has its advantages but disadvantages as well. You have to get here either by car or public transport, but you will find a peaceful and unforgettable place here which get Portugal deep into your heart.

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