Located in the Serra do Marão foothills, one can find the small town of Vila Real. The city was founding back in1289 and has played a very important role in the history of the nation. Some of the finest palaces Portugal has ever seen were built in the area during the 16th and 17th centuries. In and around Vila Real, one can find a number of quaint villages which are home to some of the finest wineries and vineyards in all of Portugal.
If you stop by and check out the city of Chaves, don’t forget to also take the time to marvel at the ancient Roman bridge which was built back in 100 A.D. On your way back to the city, be sure to stop by the Santuário de Panóias which is an ancient shrine that dates back to the 3rd century. Once back in Vila Real, you can check out the Palácio de Mateus which was built during the 18th century which is home to a number of musical events throughout the year.
Nearby you can find the Parque Natural do Alvão Park which is 7,220 hectares and is divided into two distinct regions. Many visitors chose to raft down the many different waterways that can be found throughout the park, and to enjoy the beautiful scenery that is filled with cascading waterfalls and traditional Portuguese villages. You will also be able to check out the Parque de Lazer de Bragadas Park which is ideal for any families who would like to enjoy a refreshing picnic in this quaint Portuguese city.
For a step back into the past, you may opt to check out the 17th century Igreja de Santa Bárbara church, or the 18th century Igreja Matriz do Divino Salvador church. Nearby town you can find the Ponte de Pedrinha Bridge which dates back to the days of the Moors as well as the 20 meter long Ponte de Arame ou Ponte Pênsil Bridge that was built in 1963.
Photo by RFBP