Location: Viana do Castelo
Top Things to do in Viana do Castelo
The 10 Best Things to Do in Viana do Castelo, Portugal
A self-guided walking tour is the best way to appreciate the stunning architecture of Viana do Castelo. The buildings date from several different centuries so styles vary: highlights include the early 20th-century Basilica of Santa Luzia; the 16th-century fountain and former city hall building at the Praça da República; the gothic Cathedral on the Largo da Matriz; and the Monument to Caramuru and Paraguaçu, built just a few years ago in 2009.
Restaurants in Viana do Castelo
1. Santuario de Santa Luzia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Andrezanella - Curitiba, PR
Great church where you can see the old church of the XV century. Has the image in the ceiling of Jesus and the statue of Santa Luzia. The city is a small town with very traditional church’s and square.
2. O Navio Gil Eannes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 571 reviews
Reviewed By Joyce h
What a surprise and so interesting to view. Wonderful to see this magnificent hospital ship so immaculately restored and maintained. Historically to learn that in our lifetime what incredibly brave and strong men made those journeys to fish off Newfoundland, supported by this vessel. A must see museum for visitors to Viana Do Costelo.
3. Igreja da Misericordia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By L C - Bath, United Kingdom
Lovely building in centre of Viana do Castelo, just off the main Square. Inside is beautifully decorated with lots of ornate statues. Free to enter.
4. Museu do Traje
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By Lisa W - Taboada, Galicia, Spain
A fabulous collection of traditional costumes from the area including wedding and various working clothes. This museum also includes old weaving looms and a basement section with some beautiful filigree goldwork. At 2E entry (1E pensioners) it is worth a couple of hours
5. Praia do Cabedelo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Robby G C - Toronto, Canada
It was easy to find a parking place. This beach protects their dunes. No one can climb these dunes and they are cordoned off. We can enjoy viewing them, but not walk on it as it would destroy the plants.
I was quite fascinated with how many kites were flying on the beach! Unheard of! They were everywhere! Above the dunes, above the sea, above the beach.
Nearby some of the people were preparing to go Surfing. That must be fun! A bit further was a lighthouse on the rocks. It looked quite beautiful!
There were quite a lot of people on the beach! This is quite a popular beach.
I enjoyed the dunes the most. I am glad that they are protected.
6. Funicular de Santa Luzia
Overall Ratings
4 based on 315 reviews
Reviewed By LizaTrips - Portugal
Its an elevator to go up the hill to visit Santa Luzia church. It takes only 7 minutes to go up. The cost is 3€ full trip and 2€ one trip. Amazing views on the top.
7. Museu Municipal de Viana do Castelo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Bernardette44 - Newark, Delaware
Ancient mansion with collection of choicest 16th & 17th century furnishings and decorative arts. Indo Portuguese inlaid furniture, exquisite religious paintings, silver, and an astonishing collection of Portuguese earthern ware 17th-9th century from all regions of the country. Dellightful tiny (by our standards) beds with hangings, tapestry. Much better than dec arts museum next to the Se in Oporto.
8. Citania de Santa Luzia
Overall Ratings
4 based on 86 reviews
Iron Age settlement - National Monument
Reviewed By Thomas Desmond J - Coleraine, United Kingdom
The citania is located at the top of the hills above Viano do Castelo. There is now an information centre explaining some of the history of this impressive site. Only one third of the original site has been excavated and it consists of walls,open spaces and a variety of accommodation. There is a raised walkway which enables the visitor to walk round the site, without causing any damage to the ruins. The site was eventually overrun by the Romans who drove out the original inhabitants. It is one of the most important sites of its type and era.
9. Biblioteca Municipal de Viana do Castelo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
10. Praca da Republica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By JElliot32 - New South Wales, Australia
The old town of Viana do Castelo has a lot of charm and this perhaps reaches its pinnacle in this small plaza, which features numerous statues and an ancient Fountain and is surrounded by an impressive line-up of handsome, beautifully restored public buildings, some dating back to the Renaissance. It is a very pleasant space.
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