10 Best Things To Do In Viana do Castelo, Portugal

1. Get a panoramic view from Sanctuary of Santa Luzia

Sanctuary of Santa Luzia or Santuário de Santa Luzia is a sanctuary dedicated to Saint Luzia and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Construction of this magnificent, Roman-Byzantine compound first started in 1904 and was finally only completed in 1959. Originally designed by Miguel Ventura Terra, this long-standing project was succeeded by his mentee, Miguel Nogueira after his untimely death in 1919. Visitors must look out for the rose-windows integrated into the building as they are the largest on the Iberian Peninsular. Getting to the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia is convenient as you can ascend to the peak of the Santa Luzia Mountain by cable car, car, or by walking. Upon reaching the top, take in the panoramic views of the Vale do Lima valley.

Santuário de Santa Luzia

Address: N13-6, 4901-909 Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Website: Santuário de Santa Luzia

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 6pm; Fri - Sun: 9am - 7pm

Price: 4 USD

2. Marvel at the centuries-old Praça da República

Praça da República is a public square in Viana do Castelo, which lies in the heart of the Old Town. Visitors to this attraction can wander about and marvel at the 16th-century architecture that is still well-preserved. The mansions and monuments in Praça da República are all worthy of a second look. The Chafariz, a Renaissance-era fountain built in 1554 will wow you with its Manueline motifs of an armillary sphere and the cross of The Order of Christ perched on top. The old town hall in Praça da República is also something that visitors gravitate toward. Antigos Paços do Concelho is a testament to Viana do Castelo’s rich history spanning back a few centuries. Today, this building is still in use for contemporary art exhibitions.

Praça da República

Address: 4900-520 Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)

3. Immerse in the Baroque era at Igreja da Misericórdia de Viana do Castelo

Igreja da Misericórdia de Viana do Castelo is one of the seven finest churches in Portugal and was first built in 1520 by the Misericórdia Brotherhood. Over the years, more was added onto the original building and in 1589, one of the best examples of Renaissance and Mannerist-inspired civil architecture, with Italian and Flemish influences. It was designed by João Lopes, or o Moço (the Boy) as he was known as. The sheer opulence of the church, with its Portuguese-styled gilded carvings on the alters, the glazed tile coatings, the ceiling frescos, and the art of Policarpo de Oliveira Bernardes showcase a completely Baroque sensibility. Visitors can also look out for occasional displays of local art in the church.

Igreja da Misericórdia de Viana do Castelo

Address: Praça da República 62, 4900-532 Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Opening hours: Mon- Thu: 9:30am - 12:30pm, 1:30pm - 6pm; Fri: 9:30am - 12:30pm, 2pm - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 1pm; Sun: 12pm

Price: 2 USD

4. Spend the night on the Gil Eannes

Gil Eannes or Gil Eanes as it is spelt more commonly now is a former Portuguese hospital abroad a ship. This hospital ship supported the “White Fleet” with supplies and as a flagship in the mid-20th century and often operated in dangerous waters near Newfoundland and Greenland. The last voyage made by Gil Eannes was in 1973. Today, the ship is permanently moored in the Port of Viana do Castelo and serves as a museum and youth hostel. Visitors for the day can check out the bridge, galley, bakery, engine room, doctor’s office, treatment room, and cabins on Gil Eannes with some rooms being converted as space for temporary exhibits.

Gil Eannes

Address: Navio Gil Eannes - Doca Comercial, 4900-321 Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Website: Gil Eannes

Opening hours: 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 5:30pm (daily)

Price: 5 USD

5. Reach new heights with Elevador de Santa Luzia

Elevador de Santa Luzia is a fun activity to partake in and also saves you some time climbing a hill 300 meters (984.3) above sea level to get to the Basilica of Santa Luzia. Built in 1923 and remodelled a few years ago, Elevador de Santa Luzia or Funicular de Santa Luzia is the longest in Portugal, spanning a total distance of 650 metres (2132.6 feet) across the high ground and rough terrain. Visitors will take about seven minutes in the elevator car that takes only 12 passengers at a vertical drop of 160 metres (524.9 feet).

Elevador de Santa Luzia

Address: 4900-496 Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Website: Elevador de Santa Luzia

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 7:50pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 8pm

Price: 4 USD

6. Learn about traditional costumes in Museu do Traje de Viana do Castelo

Museu do Traje de Viana do Castelo or Viana do Castelo Costume Museum is a museum that is located in the historically significant part of Viana do Castelo. The building that the museum now occupies used to be the Bank of Portugal building and gives off a stately feel. The museum displays the variety of traditional Viana do Castelo costumes that boast ethnographic wealth this region enjoys. Permanent exhibits also include the tools and equipment used to produce these hand-made costumes plus the highly informative “A lã e o linho no traje do Alto Minho” (wool and linen in Alto Minho garments permanent exhibit), “Traje à Vianesa” (Viana’s traditional dress permanent exhibit) and "Oficina do Ouro” (Gold Workshop permanent exhibit).

Museu do Traje de Viana do Castelo

Address: Praça da República 58, 4900-539 Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Website: Museu do Traje de Viana do Castelo

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 1pm, 3pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 3 USD

7. Visit The Cathedral of St. Mary the Great

The Cathedral of St. Mary the Great is a quiet cathedral built in the 15th century with the wealth brought back by Portuguese ships returning from voyages all over the world. The church looks like a sturdy fortress from the outside but once you enter, prepare to be dazzled by the beautiful interior that contains ornate gold gildings and ethereal Renaissance art. Visitors should also take note of the Cathedral of St. Mary the Great’s unique feature - a model of a Portuguese caraval, which is the type of sailing ship used by great explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, and many others. While this model is not particularly obvious or placed in a conspicuous position, it is still a nice little touch to pay tribute to Portugal’s rich history in sailing and exploration.

Cathedral of St. Mary the Great

Address: Largo Instituto Histórico do Minho 9, 4900-528 Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6:30pm; Sat - Sun: 8:30am - 7pm

8. Explore the mysterious Serra de'Arga

The Serra de'Arga is a mountain range that has traditional villages and breathtaking views of the coast and Peneda Gerês National Park in the distance. Visit the stone chapel of Our Lady of the Minho, as this statue is dressed in a traditional folk dress of the region and carries corn cobs to signify the most important products in this region. Keep a lookout for wild Garrano horses as well, these hardy animals that are protected species and theorised to be descendants of a breed that was first discovered through cave drawings from the Palaeolithic times. The Serra de'Arga mountain range also has a number of working villages that you can visit during seasonal harvests or just to get a feel of life unchanged since centuries ago.

Serra de'Arga

Address: Montaria, Portugal

Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)

9. Experience the passing of centuries at Forte de Santiago da Barra

Forte de Santiago da Barra is believed to be the country’s first fortification site and is located on the banks of Rio Lima. The fort dates back to the reign of King Afonso III in the 13th century. Over the centuries, different reigns, and powers that passed through Viana do Castelo, Forte de Santiago da Barra underwent a number of iterations and improvements. This can be seen from its Manueline architectural features that the Roueta Tower best showcases. Most notably, the most recent upgrade done to the fortress in the late 16th century was based on architectural plans by Filippo de Terzi, widely considered to be one of the most famous military building architects of the era.

Forte de Santiago da Barra

Address: Castelo Santiago da Barra, 4900-360 Viana do Castelo

Website: Forte de Santiago da Barra

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sat - Sun)

10. Enjoy nature at Praia do Cabedelo

Praia do Cabedelo is a short drive or scenic ferry ride across Rio Lima from Viana do Castelo. Famous for having some of the finest beaches in the Minho region, Praia do Cabedelo is ideal for a lazy day lying on clean white sands with a cool breeze blowing through your hair. You can experience a one-of-the-kind view from most beaches in Praia do Cabedelo - Viana do Castelo’s stately medieval architecture can be seen from here, offering architecture buffs a different take on the city. Santuário de Santa Luzia can also be admired from Praia do Cabedelo. It is also a great spot for surfing!

Praia do Cabedelo

Address: Rua Diogo Cão 224, Darque, Portugal

Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)

Experience the best of what Viana do Castelo has to offer

Try something new for your next visit to Portugal at this coastal city that is rich in history and culture. Plan for a day trip and stay for the weekend once you see how beautiful Viana do Castelo can be!