Viana do Castelo Travel Guide

Viana do Castelo is the gem of the Northern Green Coast of Portugal, “Costa Verde.” It sits at the mouth of the River Lima, just 50 miles North of Porto. The city itself is very attractive indeed, brimming with a variety of different architectural styles; Manueline, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Deco, and more contemporary designs. It is probably best known for the imposing “Santuário de Santa Luzia,” which sits high above the city on the Santa Luzia Mount. A remarkable Neo-Gothic style church, which you can see from almost everywhere in the city and surrounding area. A trip to the top is an absolute must while in Viana – the view from here is truly something.

Viana do Castelo is an ideal base for exploring the nearby Minho region (Ponte de Lima, Guimarães, Braga, Peneda Geres National Park) and the Vinho Verde wine region. It makes for a more relaxed, less touristy contrast to vibrant Porto. The city has always been an important fishing port before focusing more on shipbuilding and the cod fishing industry. That said, these industries do not encroach on the beauty of the city, surrounding beaches, and the countryside.

Viana do Castelo is famed for being the birthplace of João Alvares Fagundes, one of Portugal’s great explorers. In the 16th century, he ended up in the Canadian Atlantic and discovered the famed Atlantic northwest cod fishery. The king granted him the sole right to fish there; however, he tragically died before making it home to celebrate his discovery. His fellow men nevertheless continued to bring cod back in this salted form (for preservation), and centuries later, “Bacalhau” remains the national Portuguese dish. Viana’s shipping industry also dates back to the 16th century, one of the major ports where sailing ships were built and set sail to explore and returned with worldly, exotic treasures. Manueline architecture can be seen all over the town, and this extravagant style was inspired by the profitable discoveries from those times.

Nowadays, the shipping and codfish industries continue. Tourism is starting to play a significant role in the local economy. Fortunately for those that visit, Viana do Castelo is still off the main tourist routes, making it that little bit more special.