Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo is located in a beautiful spot on the estuary of the river Lima. It is a pleasant seaside resort whose gardens extend to the waterfront.

In the fifteenth century the city gained prominence as a center of fishing and provided ships and sailors of the sixteenth century discoveries. The wealth derived from the trade with Europe and Brazil gave rise to many opulent mansions in Manueline, Renaissance and Baroque styles.

The historic center of Viana is one of the best preserved in the whole country. Lively and inhabited, it is a pleasure to walk through the narrow streets where time seems to have stopped. The city is also an active center for offshore fishing. It’s industries (wood, ceramics, pyrotechnics, shipbuilding) and crafts (costumes, embroidery, pottery, filigree) contribute to its prosperity.

Viana do Castelo is the capital of the district that includes the following counties: Arcos de Valdevez, Caminha, Melgaço, Monção, Paredes de Coura, Ponte da Barca, Ponte de Lima, Valença, Viana do Castelo e Vila Nova de Cerveira. 

The district of Viana do Castelo is rich and active in crafts. The dishes from Viana are famous, and we can also mention the boyfriends’ handkerchiefs with local colors, red, blue and white, the heart-shaped boxes embroidered in linen, the black wedding slippers with white embroidery, the jackets embroidered in the back and the linen towels. Besides the palms made in every color, the traditional gold is the noblest memory that you can bring from Viana.
There is also typical work in wood, stone and copper, weaving, regional costumes, lace, baskets, pottery, tiles and ceramics, among others.

To visit

Monte de Santa Luzia – Viana do Castelo

Ínsua Fort – Moledo

Camarido National Forest – Caminha

Bridge over the Lima river – Ponte de Lima

Brejoeira Palace – Monção

Valença Fortress – Valença