What is the prettiest city in Portugal?
Viana de Castelo – Quite possibly the prettiest city in Portugal. The city of Viano de Castelo is in Northern Portugal just 60 kilometres south of the Spanish border. The great explorers used to set sail from here in the Golden Age of discovery.
During the 15th and 16th centuries all manner of exotic products was brought back by ship from India and the new world. Men grew rich from the proceeds and lavish buildings sprang up all over Viano. It has to be said that not much changed in the ensuing years and this beautiful Portuguese city remains as stimulating today as it was during the Golden Age of discovery and is well worth a visit.
In fact some people say that Viano de Castelo is the prettiest city in Portugal. It certainly must be a contender, intensified inexorably by the city’s fantastically rich heritage.
The most famous son born in this town is undoubtedly the explorer Joao Alvares Fagundes, who pioneered the route through the North Atlantic to Newfoundland. The tomb of this Portuguese mariner can be found inside the Chapel of the Viana Parish Church, and warrants an absorbing day out.
There are marvellous beaches just ten minutes drive away from Viana. The beautiful beach of Cabedelo is reached by ferry, and the Beach Vila Praia de Ancora lies to the north of the city and is another popular spot.
Viana de Castelo is situated on the north bank of the River Lima and is built amongst fabulous countryside. The mansions are opulent, built at a time when money flowed. The style is Renaissance and Baroque with the odd Gothic arch thrown in the mix. This town is extrovert, vibrant and lively and it is as if the locals know that they are fortunate to live here.
The main square has numerous fine buildings all centred around a renaissance fountain. The town oozes with a feeling of wealth and prosperity even though the real money was made here centuries ago.
It is certainly a pretty town and there are reminders around every corner of the time when Viana de castelo was rich and it is clear that the people of that affluent period, spent their money wisely.