Viana do Castelo

Sites to See…Basílica de Santa Luzia, Viana do Castelo (Portugal)

April 15, 2020 By International Lodging Corporation

Perched on a hilltop just outside of the town center of Viana do Castelo is the majestic Basílica de Santa Luzia. Built between 1904-1943, the beautiful church that is inspired by Byzantine architecture with Gothic styling looks like a church that was built centuries ago and not one that was completed less than 80 years ago.

The church sits atop Monte de Santa Luzia and offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Lima River, and the historic town of Viana do Castelo. It is accessible via a short drive from town, or visitors can access the church from the town center by climbing the 660 steps that ascend up the mount. Rather than walk, an easier option is to ride the funicular that ascends the 650 meters to the top of the mount in just 7 minutes.

The interior of the church is beautifully decorated and is topped off by a soaring dome that visitors can access via a narrow and winding set of stone stairs. Light streams into the church through two enormous rose windows that are the largest on the Iberian peninsula and the second largest in Europe.

If you decide to spend the night you can stay at the Pousada Viana do Castelo – Santa Luzia located on the same hilltop just 2 minutes away. For more information and reservations, click here.

Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide, if you want to visit Barcelos as a day trip from Porto. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information on our Porto Day Trip that includes Viana do Castelo, click here, and for information on all of our Porto & Porto Day Trip tours, click here.

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.

Next Stop…Viana do Castelo, Portugal

May 10, 2017 By International Lodging Corporation

Located about an hour north of Porto is the town of Viana do Castelo. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in northern Portugal, with a picturesque location nestled between the Hill of Santa Luzia and the banks of the Lima River.

Viana do Castelo’s strategic location on the river made it an important seaport during the Age of Discovery, when the country embarked on extensive overseas exploration. The town prospered from being a point of entry for explorers and traders, and it was during this period that many of the historic buildings were constructed.

The Basilica of Santa Luzia is one of the main sites to visit during your stay in Viana do Castelo. Modeled after the Sacré Coeur in Paris, the domed Neo-Byzantine basilica has three rose windows that illuminate the interior and frescoes. The upper lantern of the central dome provides panoramic views of the town below and the Lima estuary.

Other sites to see during your visit to Viana do Castelo include:

Praça da República – main square with a Renaissance fountain facing the former 16th C. Town Hall
Misericordia Church and Hospice – built in 1598
15th C Parish Church
Municipal Museum – housed in an 18th C. palace with a fine collection of rare ceramics, furniture from Portuguese India and Moorish Spain, and archaeological finds
Stroll through the streets of the Old Quarter – lined with interesting examples of Renaissance and Manueline architecture

Many visit the town in the summer to enjoy the nearby Cabedelo beach, which is accessed via ferry from the Avenida dos Combatentes. Viana do Castelo is also known for being one of the most folkloric towns in the country. If you happen to visit on a weekend around August 15 during the Festival of Our Lady of Sorrows you will be able to see traditional regional dresses, parades, processions and folk dancing.

If you decide to spend the night you can stay at the Pousada de Viana do Castelo – Monte de Santa Luzia, located near the basilica. The Pousada was built in 1918 and offers guests panoramic views from its privileged hilltop location. For more information and reservations, click here.

Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide, if you want to visit Viana do Castelo as a day trip from Porto. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information on our Porto Day Trip that includes Viana do Castelo, click here, and for information on all of our Porto & Porto Day Trip tours, click here.

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.

Private Tours from Porto: Alto Minho Tour – Viana do Castelo, Ponte de Lima & Barcelos – 9 Hours

January 5, 2015 By International Lodging Corporation

The Alto Minho region in the northwest corner of the country is home to a number of historic towns that are some of the oldest and most beautiful in Portugal. Located about an hour north of Porto, visitors can explore the historic towns of Viana do Castelo, Ponte de Lima and Barcelos on a day trip.

Your guide/driver will pick you up at your hotel to begin your 9 hour private tour. The first stop will be the town of Viana do Castelo. Considered one of the country’s most beautiful towns, its strategic location on the Lima River made it an important seaport during the Age of Discovery. You can stroll through the picturesque main square, and then visit the beautiful Basilica of Santa Luzia located on a hilltop just outside of town.

The next stop on the tour is Ponte de Lima, one of the oldest towns in the country. It is best known for the arched medieval bridge that spans the Lima River. You will take a panoramic tour of the historic city center, including the picturesque main square.

The final stop on the tour is the town of Barcelos, a charming medieval town well known for its tradition of pottery. It was here that the Galo de Barcelo rooster, which is the emblem of Portugal, originated. Barcelos is also known for its weekly market, which is one of the largest and most typical markets in the country. Your tour will include a visit to the market if it takes place on a Thursday, when the market is held.

You will arrive back at your hotel around 6:00pm. The private tour can be customized to meet your specific interests. Monument visits are optional and can be decided upon with your guide. There will be time during the day to have lunch.

2020 Prices and other info:

Tour price for 1-3 People in a Sedan

US $405 – Daily (start time at 9:00am / return at 6:00pm)

Tour price for 4-7 People in a Minivan

US $530 – Daily (start time at 9:00am / return at 6:00pm)

All tours:

Price includes a tour with a licensed guide/driver with transportation for 9 hours
Price does not include meals or entrance fees (if any), which are extra
Vehicles are insured, as required by Portuguese law
Common languages available: English, Portuguese, Spanish, French
Gratuities are not included and are at the discretion of the client
Prices are subject to change

Note: Guide/driver is not authorized to conduct tours inside of monuments or museums.

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.