Page 273 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Portugal

Must See
2
VIANA DO

CASTELO

! D1 £ Largo da Estação n Viana Welcome Centre, Praça do Eixo-Atlântico;
258 098 415; www.portoenorte.pt
With winding streets and intimate squares, Viana do Castelo is an
appealing destination. Both a busy fishing port and holiday resort,
the town is also the capital of Minho folk culture, playing host to lively
festivals and supporting a thriving handicrafts industry. The main
attraction in Viana do Castelo, however, is Monte de Santa Luzia,
whose peak overlooks the town.
Viana do Castelo lies in a beautiful setting on
the Lima estuary. This 13th-century town
gained prominence as a fishing centre in the
1400s; later it provided ships and seafarers
for the great maritime discoveries of the
16th century (p44). From here, João Velho set
off to explore the Congo, and João Álvares
Fagundes charted the rich fishing grounds
of Newfoundland. Wealth derived from trade
with Europe and Brazil funded the town’s
many opulent mansions built in Manueline, 1
Renaissance and Baroque styles.
Monte de Santa Luzia
To enjoy exceptional views, take the zigzag
road to Monte de Santa Luzia, 5 km (3 miles)
north of the town centre, or save your legs by
riding the funi cular. Perched on the mountain
is the Templo do Sagrado Coração de Jesus, an
extravagant Neo-Byzantine basilica completed
in 1926. The steep climb to the top of its
graffitti-scrawled dome is rewarded by
superb panoramas. Behind the church 2
you can wander along woodland paths
or visit the Pousada Monte de Santa Luzia.

Caramuru by José
Rodrigues (2008) in
Praça da República

3
1 Praça da República, Viana’s main square, is
full of café tables and overlooked by the Paços
do Concelho, which was once the town hall.
2 On 23 August of each year, people process
through the streets of Viana do Castelo during
the Nossa Senhora da Agonia Festival.
3 Monte de Santa Luzia is the perfect place
to go for a beautiful sunset panorama.
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