Viseu

Leaving Manteigas, wind your way back down to Gouveia toward Mangualde on N232. Notice the broadened Mondego as you cross. Join the N16 leaving town to the north, and another 15 kilometers brings you to the beautiful old red-roofed town of Viseu clustered around its cathedral on the banks of the River Pavia. You get a splendid view as you approach.The center of a 16th-century school of painting, Viseu boasts a good art museum: the Museu Grao Vasco. O Grao Vasco, the Great Basque (Fernandes), was one of the founders of the school. The museum is housed in a 16th-century mansion and located on the large cathedral square in the center of the old town. The 13th-century (subsequently remodeled) cathedral with its Manueline vault is worth a visit, too. Stroll around the enchanting old town to see the impressive mansions dating from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.