With a total urban population of around 180.000 inhabitants is the third-largest city in Portugal (after Lisbon and Porto), including the city and suburban parishes.

Its agglomerated urban area extends from the Cavado River to the Easte River. Braga is also the Minho´s greater metropolitan area  which includes a population of around 800.000 (2007 statistics), considered one of the fastest growing urban areas in the European Union.

One can reach Viana do Castelo quickly from Porto  or  from Valencia, in Spain.  This city has a privileged geographical situation by the sea and at the end of  a major river, Lima. To see these amaizing views visit  the Santa Luzia Hill or  the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Viana is enriched with emblazoned palaces, churches and monasteries , fountains which are a heritage asset worthy of visit. Here you can find all sorts of inspirations like the  Manueline , Renaissance , Baroque , Art Deco or tile .

The heart of the city is easy to find, most historic center streets will take you there. The Republic Square is famous for the Mercy Buiding and the fountain dated from the 16th Century as well as the old Town Hall. Not far away is the Romantic Cathedral and the Parish Church.

Facing the sea that made the history of Viana can be found a baroque church which houses the image of Our Lady of Agony , the fishermen´s  strong devotion. Leaves the church every year on August 20th to bless the sea,  one of the most colorful festivals in Portugal, known for the  women costumes beauty and richness.

Viana is known for the gold filigree  and has been able to maintain local traditions , as can be seen in the Museum of Costume  , the Municipal Museum  or Gil Eanes ship .

Built in the Shipyards of Viana do Castelo to support the cod fishery, the vessel  is here anchored as a symbol  of maritime traditions and shipbuilding city .

But Viana do Castelo is also considered a ” Mecca of Architecture “ thanks to many important names in contemporary Portuguese architecture signing equipment and spaces of the city . This is the case of the Liberty Square Fernando Tavora Library Álvaro Siza Vieira , the Youth Hostel in Carrilho da Graça , Jorge Hotel Axis of Albuquerque or the Cultural Center of Viana do Castelo , Souto Moura , among many others .

On the outskirts of the city it is possible to ride a bike or take a walk on one of the many marked trails, as well as surfing, windsurfing or kitesurfing and bodyboarding on beaches of fine golden sand. And do jet skiing, sailing , rowing or canoeing on the river Lima.

Viana do Castelo is an old city with modern views.

The Brejoeira Palace began to be built in the eighteenth century, by Luis Pereira Old Moscoso, and the works continued until 1834. In neo-classical style, is endowed with lavish halls, with paintings and fresh, taste is also reflected in the chapel. Over the years went through many owners, who were carrying out restoration work. In the palace grounds is produced, since 1977, the Alvarinho wine from the merger of several properties in the region, which also produces, grape marc spirit.

From the 13th April the Brejoeira Palace presents to the public the new attraction with two paths: “Romantic Walk” and ride through the vineyards that surround the Fifth Brejoeira “Charming Moments” and ride the front of the Palace and mini -bosque. The implementation of this project, is available 6th to Sunday, the opening hours visits (from 9.00 to 12.30 and from 14.00 to 18.00).

More information: http://www.palaciodabrejoeira.pt/

Germinating the project be from here a museum that also integrate parts from other churches and chapels in the village and county, as well as donations and deposits made by individuals.

Consisting of two religious monuments (remaining part of the former monastery of St. Anthony and building of the Third Order of St. Francis), was the stage space of measures over the centuries. Working now as a museum, was enriched in the 80s of XX century, with other collections, including ethnography and archeology.

The Diogo Bernardes Theatre is the home of Opera and Classical Music Festival of Ponte de Lima.

These villages are now the basis of a new tourism product, characterized by authenticity, diversity and difference from other concepts already commoditized.

In short, they have to offer a set of products which are: the tourist accommodation in rural areas – village tourism, traditional cuisine, nature tourism, cultural and religious tourism, health tourism, agriculture, crafts, and uses local customs.