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Viana do Castelo is a historic town located in the northwest corner of Portugal, near the border with Spain. The town has a long and rich history, dating back to the Roman era, when it was an important center for trade and commerce. We had the chance to visit this charming village during our stay in Portugal.
During the Middle Ages, Viana do Castelo grew in importance as a port town, and it played a crucial role in Portugal’s Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries. Many of the town’s historic buildings date back to this period, including the Cathedral of St. Mary the Great (Viana do Castelo Cathedral), which was built in the 15th century, and the Renaissance-style Town Hall, which was built in the 16th century.
One of the most famous legends associated with Viana do Castelo is the legend of the Princess of Viana. According to the legend, in the 15th century, a beautiful princess named Joana was in love with a knight from Castile. However, her father, the king of Portugal, forbade the relationship and arranged for Joana to marry a Portuguese nobleman. The princess was so heartbroken that she fell ill and died soon after her wedding. The legend says that her ghost still haunts the castle where she lived, and that she appears to lovers who come to the castle seeking her blessing.
Another famous legend associated with Viana do Castelo is the legend of the Rooster of Barcelos. According to the legend, a pilgrim on his way to Santiago de Compostela was accused of stealing a silver rooster from a local landowner. Despite his protests of innocence, the pilgrim was sentenced to death. As he was about to be hanged, he prayed to St. James, and miraculously, the rooster flew out of his bag and crowed. The pilgrim was released, and the rooster became a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Today, the rooster is a popular motif in Portuguese art and is often seen in souvenir shops in Viana do Castelo and other towns throughout the country.
Historic architecture
Viana do Castelo has a rich history and is home to several impressive historic buildings and monuments that were constructed during the 15th century. Here are a few examples:
Santuário de Santa Luzia
Although the current sanctuary dates back to the early 20th century, the original chapel on this site was built in the 15th century.
Click here to visit the official website.
Tower of the Rooster (Torre do Relógio) – This clock tower was built in the late 15th century and is located in the city center.
Igreja da Misericórdia (Misericórdia Church)
This Baroque-style church was built in the late 15th century and is known for its stunning facade and interior decorations.
Click here to read more about it.
Igreja Matriz de Viana do Castelo (Mother Church) – This church was also built in the 15th century and is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption.
Click here to read more about it.
These buildings are important landmarks in Viana do Castelo and offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Beaches
Viana do Castelo is home to several beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm. Here are some of the most noteworthy beaches in the area:
Praia do Cabedelo – This is one of the most popular beaches in Viana do Castelo and is known for its long stretch of golden sand and excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Praia do Norte – Located near the Santa Luzia Sanctuary, this beach is quieter and more secluded than Praia do Cabedelo. It’s a great place to relax and soak up the sun.
Praia da Amorosa – This beach is located just outside the city and is known for its beautiful dunes and stunning sunsets. It’s a popular spot for surfing and bodyboarding.
Praia de Afife – This beach is located about 20 minutes from Viana do Castelo and is known for its wild and rugged landscape. It’s a popular spot for surfing and birdwatching.
Praia de Carreço – This beach is located just north of Viana do Castelo and is known for its calm waters and golden sand. It’s a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Overall, the beaches in Viana do Castelo offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a lively atmosphere or a peaceful place to relax. The area is also known for its excellent seafood, so be sure to sample some of the local specialties while you’re there!
Museums
Viana do Castelo has several museums that showcase the history and culture of the region. Here are some of the most noteworthy museums in the area:
Municipal Museum of Viana do Castelo – This museum is housed in a former 18th-century palace and features an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts and works of art that date back to the Roman era. The exhibits include sculptures, ceramics, paintings, and other artifacts that showcase the rich history and culture of the region.
Gil Eannes Ship Museum – This museum is located on a former hospital ship that served Portuguese fishermen in the mid-20th century. Visitors can explore the ship’s cabins, operating rooms, and other areas to learn about the history of the fishing industry in the region.
Costume Museum – Housed in a former 18th-century palace, this museum features a collection of traditional costumes from different regions of Portugal. The exhibits include clothing, accessories, and other items that reflect the cultural diversity of the country.
Traditional Craft
Filigree production has a long history in Portugal, dating back to the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Viana do Castelo has been a center of filigree production since the 18th century, with the craft becoming an important source of income for the region. The artisans of Viana do Castelo have a reputation for producing some of the finest filigree jewelry in Portugal.
One famous local artisan is José Maria Costa, who learned the craft from his father and has been producing filigree jewelry for over 40 years. He is known for his intricate and detailed designs, which often incorporate traditional motifs such as the heart of Viana and the Baroque-inspired florid patterns. Another notable artisan is Maria do Céu Macedo, who creates unique filigree pieces that combine traditional techniques with modern design.
Visitors to Viana do Castelo can visit the filigree shops and workshops in the city’s historic center to see the artisans at work and purchase their creations. Some of the best-known shops include Manuel Lima, which has been in business for over 100 years, and the boutique of designer João Graça, who creates contemporary filigree pieces with a modern twist. The filigree museum in Viana do Castelo, Museu do Ouro, is also a great place to learn more about the history of the craft and see some of the finest examples of filigree jewelry from the region.
Festivals
Romaria da Senhora da Agonia: This is the biggest festival in Viana do Castelo and takes place every year in August, usually around the 20th. It’s a celebration of the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Agony, and features a variety of events, including a colorful procession, a boat parade, traditional dances, music, and fireworks. The festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over Portugal and beyond.
Feiras Novas: This is another popular festival in Viana do Castelo, held every year in September. It’s a celebration of the harvest season and features a wide range of traditional activities, including bullfights, folk dances, concerts, and street processions. The festival also includes a large fair with food, drink, and handicrafts.
Festas da Cidade: This festival takes place every year in July and celebrates the founding of Viana do Castelo. It features a variety of events, including concerts, parades, and traditional dances, as well as a large fair with food, drink, and handicrafts.
Festival de Folclore: This is a folk festival that takes place every year in August and features traditional dances and music from around Portugal and other countries. It’s a great opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Viana do Castelo and the surrounding region.
Festival Internacional de Teatro de Viana: This is an international theater festival that takes place every year in May and June. It features a variety of performances by theater companies from around the world, as well as workshops and other events for theater enthusiasts.
Festas de São João: This festival takes place every year in June and is celebrated throughout Portugal, but particularly in Viana do Castelo. It features a variety of events, including street parties, music, and traditional dances, as well as a large fair with food, drink, and handicrafts.
These are just some of the many festivals that take place in Viana do Castelo throughout the year. Each one offers a unique opportunity to experience the local culture, traditions, and way of life, and they are not to be missed if you are visiting the city.
Tourism Office
Turismo de Viana do Castelo
Address: Praça da República, 4900-360 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Phone: +351 258 809 300
Email: turismo@cm-viana-castelo.pt
Website: https://www.cm-viana-castelo.pt/
