Classified as the Mecca of Architecture by Wallpaper, Viana do Castelo is one of the most beautiful Portuguese cities. In the 16th century, its port gained great importance as one of the entry-points for Portuguese explorers and traders, involved in the Portuguese discoveries. Many of the historical buildings originated during this period.
The town center is Praça da República, one of Portugal's most handsome squares. At its heart is the much-photographed 16th-century Chafariz Fountain, with water spewing from the mouths of its figures. The most impressive building on the square is the dour, squat three-story Igreja da Misericórdia.
An ancient building, also in the Praça da Republica, with a beautiful façade is Sa Family House. It was projected by João Lopes, the same architect that projected the fountain in the middle of the square. Each battlement of the facade has a human renaissance figure.Visit de Basilica of Santa Luzia, the Naval Museum, the Cathedral, the Church of St. Domingos.
Sé Cathedral of Viana do Castelo, the 15th century parochial church and cathedral, was constructed in the Romanesque style, comprising a façade flanked by two large towers with merlons, while the middle Gothic portal with archivolts is decorated by sculptures depicting the Passion of Christ and of the Apostles. The interior designed in the form of the Latin cross, includes a nave and two aisles, as well as two ancillary chapels dedicated to Sao Bernado and the Holy Sacrament, both attributed to João Lopes "the Elder".
The view from the Lima river is crazy beautiful and the pilgrimage of Nossa Senhora da Agonia is well worth a visit, but don’t forget the beaches: most of them are among the cleanest water you can swim in in Europe. Most beaches along the coast line have Blue Flag classification and start not more than a 10 minute drive from the city center, so make sure you take your time to enjoy one of the best things the region has to offer. The beach at Cabadelo is also accessible by public transport. Walking there takes about 45 minutes from the city centre.
Photo source: wikipedia.org
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