Viana Do Castelo

Back on N13 from Vila Praia da Ancora, another 15 kilometers brings you to Viana do Castelo, the largest city in the Minho region north of Braga. Although apparently of Greek origin, Viana do Castelo became a boom town in the 16th century when Portuguese sailing skills paved the way for fishing the Newfoundland cod area. That period of prosperity is reflected in one of the town’s most attractive features: the fine old mansions in the central section near the Praça da Republica. There is also a nice 16th-century fountain in the square and several handsome public buildings. A bit south of the square is the 14th-century parish church, which contains some fine woodcarving. A few blocks west of the square is the Municipal Museum with a worthwhile collection of antique furniture from the once-far-flung Portuguese Empire and colorful azulejos on the interior walls. At the west end of town near the river you find a 16th-century fort built by Phillip II of Spain during his reign on the Portuguese throne. If the timing of your trip is flexible, try to be here around the middle of August when Viana is the site of one of the country’s most famous religious pilgrimages. Folk dancing, fireworks, and parades characterize the celebration.