Viana do Castelo

The District of Viana do Castelo (pron. IPA: [vi'ɐnɐ du kɐʃ'tɛlu]) is located in the northwest of Portugal, bounded by Spain at the north, and Braga (district) at the south. Area 2255 km², population 250,273. The District Capital is the city of Viana do Castelo.Viana do Castelo is a XIII century town (founded 1258), but it also has a pre-roman evidence of human occupation in the ruins of a city at the top of Santa Luzia hill, which you can visit.

In the modern town, which has grown near the river Lima, you will find old streets and maybe listen the whisper of the ancient city. Look for the Cathedral (15 th century) and the surrounding streets, look for the Misericórdia (16 th century) and the Old Town Hall right in the main old square. And obviously, dont miss the neo-Byzantine Church of Santa Luzia, located on top of the Santa Luzia hill and with an astonishing view of Viana do Castelo, the river estuary and the sea.