CENTER - Central Nacional do Turismo no Espaço Rural

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Portugal is a country with a rich patrimony and heritage inspired by many different cultures over the centuries as result of the maritime discoveries. It is natural therefore that a wide variety of aesthetic influences can be seen in our civil, religious and military architectural.

With so much choice we recommend a visit to the old quarters of the historical towns and country villages to obtain a glimpse of the most interesting manifestations of our culture. We hope this itinerary will reveal a picture that identifies the character of the Portuguese nation, taking the visitor back to the roots and the foundation of Portugal.

The historical centre of Guimarães, where Portugal began, is UNESCO classified.

Its rich heritage and cultural diversity makes for a fascinating visit. Before entering the centre we suggest heading up the hill to see and climb the towers of the old Castle and visit the nearby chapel. According to legend D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal was baptized here. Also worth a visit is the Paço do Duques de Bragança which today is a museum.

It is in the medieval centre of Guimarães that the true soul of the city is hidden. Charming narrow streets, 16th century houses, taverns, restaurants, and meeting houses provide a colourful and lively backdrop which contrasts with the slow pace of daily life.

Starting at Toural square there are a number of important sightseeing spots. The church and chapel of St. Francisco are typical Portuguese baroque, the Paço Ducal, the chapel of Senhora da Guia, and above all the Alberto Sampaio Museum. This is where the Condessa Mumadona established a convent in the 10th century that later became the Collegiate Church. The magnificent cloister connects large rooms to the Oliveira Church and here you can see a collection of religious gold artefacts of great beauty and historical value as well as 16th century wood statues and paintings. Take a trip on the tram to the city park and to the Penha Sanctuary.

The River Lima bathes Viana do Castelo, a wonderful city with a historic centre not only rich in patrimony but also handicraft and a gastronomy that satisfies the most demanding lovers of food.

As a starting point you can walk around the Praça da Republica, on of the finest ancient squares in Portugal. It overlooks the ancient gothic City Hall and its arcades on the lower floor where bread used to be sold while the councillors congregated on the above floor.

The Old Hospital and the Consistório da Misericórdia adjoin the square and the magnificient 16th century fountain. Small medieval streets and alleys reveal their secrets. The Sé the Casa de João Velho chapel from the 17th century is decorated with beautiful glazed tile panels and the Barra Fort Castle are among the other interesting sites. Viana is a city of traditional celebrations and the most outstanding is the Nossa Senhora da Agonia a summer festival lasting three days featuring colourful processions through the streets and also at sea on boats. Also important is the weekly fair every Friday near the castle walls, which contributes for the excitement and joy of people and visitors.

There are a number of choices for visitors wanting to stay in the region and discover its heritage.

Ponte de Lima is Portugal’s oldest town and one of its most beautiful. It takes its name from the Roman bridge which was rebuilt during the reign of D. Pedro I along with a wall surrounding the entire village. What remains is the S. Paulo tower and the old prison tower which today is an art gallery.

In the Luis de Camões square, the 16th century baroque fountain once provided water to the villagers who had to pay a tax in order for their animals be allowed to drink. Ponte de Lima exudes hospitality and is endowed with great character and architectonic wealth. You can wander the narrow streets and admire gothic, manueline, baroque and mannerist facades.

The Matriz church shows a strong Romanesque influence and in the centre of the town you will find beautiful 16th century facades.

The Plátanos Avenue leads to the Diogo Bernardes Theatre and the Archaeology and Sacred Art Museum housed in the Ordem Terceira Convent. The Avenue ends at the Nossa Senhora da Guia chapel after which the new bridge was named.

The old bridge was built by the Romans to connect the military road from Braga to Astorga.

The local festivals include the famous Feiras Novas on the third Sunday of September honouring Nossa Senhora das Dores. Also, fortnightly on Mondays the oldest trade fair in the country takes place. It dates from 1125.

This municipal district has a large number of traditional manor houses which constitute a patrimonial legacy of great importance.

Situated between the Marão and Alvão Mountains the town Vila Real is renowned for its traditional architecture and warm hospitality. It has some attractions of historical interest that include Diogo Cão”s House, the Sé Cathedral, the Pelourinho, the Marqueses de Vila Real House and the Carreira Garden with its thousand-year-old trees.

The entire area surrounding the city is of great natural beauty and walking in the Marão and Alvão Mountains is recommended. There is evidence that this region was inhabited during the Neolithic period and the rock drawings and carvings in the Panóias sanctuary are well worth seeing.

Óbidos is a walled medieval town situated near the Beira coastline, close to Caldas da Rainha. It is a picture postcard town with much to do and see. The Festival of Santo Antão, the Senhor dos Passos religious procession, the Santa Iria fair, the famous Potato trade fair or the Sant’Ana celebration, the music festivals and the permanent cultural events allied to the rich heritage make Óbidos an excellent place to discover.

The Açores is famous for its volcanic landscape and flora and fauna.

The city of Angra do Heroísmo is on the Terceira Island. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1980 and was so well rebuilt that it was later UNESCO classified.

Follow the steps downhill through the valley of Ribeira dos Moinhos that connects the belvedere to the Duque da Terceira gardens where a memorial to Almeida Garret, exiled here, can be found. On Direita street check the Governors Palace and on the waterfront the Misericórdia Church. Continuing through Galo Street in the Praça Velha you can’t miss the Town Hall. With a large variety of places to visit such as the old fortress of S. João Baptista, the castle of S. Sebastião, the Angra de S. Mateus, the Conde de Vila Flor Palace, the custom-house, the old dock and the Sé Cathedral there is much sightseeing to do.

Here we aim to give you a new perspective of the best of Portugal. Our patrimony is reflected in the daily life of the people who welcome you. When travelling with the Solares de Portugal the insight gained from a fresh perception of our national heritage and our history makes it an exceptional experience.

Solares de Portugal (2006), The Stamp of Quality