Viana do Castelo - Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo.JPG
Viana do Castelo
DistrictViana do Castelo district
Residents
88.725 (2011)
heightunknown
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Tourist info 351 258 098 415, 351 913 348 813
http://www.cm-viana-castelo.pt/pt/posto-de-turismo
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Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo is the capital of the district of the same name in Northern Portugal and one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It is located directly at the mouth of the river Rio Lima in the Atlantic and thus on the Portuguese Atlantic coast.

background

The city is 400 years ago by fishing for cod Newfoundland got rich, which you can still tell today. Viana do Castelo also has beautiful sand and stone beaches. In addition, the visitor finds a very attractive old town and a pulsating life in the streets and squares. The towers high above the city Santa Lucia Basilica, easily accessible via a road or an old cogwheel train.
Note: This article describes the city of Viana do Castelo excluding the 70 parishes in its district.

getting there

The city can be easily reached by most means of transport.

By plane

1 The nearest commercial airport is 65 km (40 minutes) away from postage, the Sá Carneiro International Airportfrom where frequent flights to Lisbon and Madeira and start in many European cities. From here there are bus and train connections to Viana do Castelo and other parts of the country. Tel. 351 229 432 400 - Fax: 351 229 484 597, Website

2 The airport of the Spanish city Vigo is about 70 km (75 min.) away. International flights, e.g. to and from Germany, are handled by the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport settled. Tel. 34 902 404 704 There is a convenient bus connection between Vigo and Porto that also touches Viana.

By train

A train journey from Frankfurt / Main takes between 27:30 and 36 hours with 4 to 5 changes.

3 The city's train station is centrally located in the middle of the city. The trains connect Viana do Castelo with other cities in the north and south, such as Lisbon, Aveiro, Braga, Coimbra, Évora, Faro, Fatima, Figueira da Foz, Portimão, Postage, Guimarães and Valença do Minhowhere by crossing the Minho River the northwestern Spanish province Pontevedra in Galicia is achieved.

In the street

A drive from Erfurt (central Germany) with a distance of 2,450 km takes about 23 hours without breaks and preferably leads via Frankfurt, Saarbrücken, Paris, Bordeaux, San Sebastian, Burgos, Ourense and Vigo. An Austrian who starts in Vienna needs 26:30 hours for the 2,860 km route, with the route going via Munich, Zurich, Bern, Geneva, Narbonne, Toulouse and San Sebastian.

Viana do Castelo is made possible by the A28 connected with the north and south lying regions, the A27 runs roughly parallel to the Rio Lima to the east, where it is at Ponte de Lima in the IP 28 passes, which in turn as N 203 from Ponte da Barca leads to the Spanish border Galicia. In addition, the N 13 parallel to A28 to the south and north parallel to the coast (without motorway escort). To the east, largely south of the Rio Lima, which leads N 203.

By bus

Various bus routes connect the city with Porto and Lisbon.

By boat

Viana do Castelo owns one Marina, a fishing port, a shipyard and a trading port. Travelers with a sailing ship or yacht are advised to report to the Tourist Information. 4 The marina in the Lima River is right next to the city. It was inaugurated in 1992 and is very well equipped. Access to the pier is safe and easy. Here you can also get fuel or, if necessary, carry out repairs. The marina has over 300 berths.

mobility

Map of Viana do Castelo

The old town can be easily explored on foot or by bike, the city is very much Bike friendly, Rental bikes are available from the tourist information office. 22 pedestrian zones are offered to pedestrians. A city bus network can be used for longer distances. There are also parking lots / -houses, but they are chargeable and sometimes not open because of markets and other events or when the city is visited by "high visitors". 3,000 parking spaces are available in 7 underground "parking cellars". It is advisable to leave the car where you live. If you have come without a car, you can borrow one from a car rental company.

Tourist Attractions

Picture gallery
View from Monte Santa Luzia

Compared to its size, Viana do Castelo is rich in interesting objects, squares, etc. Almost 50 buildings can be found in the city from the 16th to 18th centuries. The city has over 210 churches and chapels.

  • 1 The Santa Luzia basilica on the mountain of the same name in the north of the village is undoubtedly the main attraction. Around 1 million visitors come here every year. From here, especially from the top of the building, accessible via stairs or an elevator inside, you have a wonderful view over the city and the surrounding area from east to northwest. The building was modeled on Sacré-Cœur Erected on Montmartre in Paris in 1903. A winding road, the Estrada Santa Luzia, which starts at the train station, leads to the Santa Luzia Basilica. You can also get there by cog railway. The church is also a popular venue for church weddings.
  • 2 Not far north of the basilica you can find the excavations of the Iron Age - Roman settlement Citânia de Santa Luzia can be visited. Also under the name Cidade Velha de Santa Luzia well-known settlement is a typical example of the hill settlements of the in Galicia and northern Portugal spread the Castro culture.
  • 3 The former flagship of the Portuguese White Fleet, the Gil Eannes, is now permanently anchored in the fishing port and serves as a youth hostel and museum ship. It is named after the Portuguese navigator Gil Eanes ((both spellings exist.) named who in the 15th century was the first to use the dreaded southern Moroccan Cape Bojador circumnavigated what was considered the end of the world. The hospital ship was launched in Viana do Castelo in 1955 and was in service until 1973. The original equipment can be admired in the ship, which is now used as a floating museum. Every year the ship counts around 40,000 visitors.
  • 4 The gothic town hall stands on one of the most beautiful places in Portugal, the Republic Square (Praça da República). It was built in the 16th century. The city's coat of arms is incorporated into its facade.
  • 5 The three-shell Renaissance fountain made of granite was built by João Lopez-o-Velho in 1553–1559 and has been copied many times.
  • 6 Senhora da Agonia Church
  • 7 Santiago da Barra fortress, Center of the traditional costume and costume festival
  • 8 Monument on the Rochetta for the 150th anniversary of the award of city rights to Viana
  • 9 Here at the General Barboso Square events and markets often take place
  • 10 in the city ​​Park there are often public concerts and other events and exhibitions.
  • 11 In the Bullring (bloodless) bullfights take place.
  • 12 At the Praça da Ribeira fireworks are set off.
  • 13 The Eiffel Bridge was built in 1878 by Gustave Eiffel, who also built the tower named after him in Paris, albeit later.

Museums

  • Decorative Arts Museum, Largo de Sao Domingo.
  • Traditional costume and costume museum, Praça da República.

activities

Viana do Castelo has 19 beaches on 24 km of coastline. Here you can swim to your heart's content on largely empty sandy beaches. Two surf competitions are held every year. 190,000 visitors enjoy the 3 outdoor and swimming pools each year. You can relax in parks and green spaces of over 160,000 square meters.

1 A Go-kart track is located in the south of the city.

Culture

Almost every district of Viana do Castelo has its own festivals and cultural features.

  • January, January 19th is the anniversary of the survey of Viana da Foz do Lima to city.
  • Carnival parade that ends at Praça da Liberdade.
  • On the 1st Saturday of each month: flea market
  • In August: Procession of the Nossa Senhora de Agonia, a pilgrimage / folk festival with colorful costumes

shop

Viana do Castelo has the most beautiful eyelet embroidery in the province and the most colorful costumes. There are many shops in the city, including specialty shops. Big supermarkets are:

  • 1 Continente-Supermarket in Meadela, geö. until 9:30 p.m., also on Saturdays and Sunday mornings until 12:30 p.m.
  • 2 Leclerc-Supermarket in Darque (cheap fuel prices!)
  • 3 Intermarché-Supermarket in Areosa
  • 4 A visit to the farmers' market, which takes place every Friday morning, should also be interesting.
  • 5 A visit to the municipal market hall should of course not be missed. It is open Mon to Fri from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • (Farmers) markets are in: Viana do Castelo - every Friday, Meadela - every Sunday, Barroselas - every Wednesday, Darque and Lanheses - every 2nd Sunday

Internet cafes:

  • 1 The Internet café "Zum Stummen Chinesen" was named by the author because the Asian-looking owner did not speak a word when his café was visited. Only on direct response.
  • 2 Cyber ​​Stop Café in the district of Monte Nascente, Rua da Amorosa,

kitchen

A visit to a restaurant is comparatively cheaper in northern Portugal than in the south. Tip: Wherever you want to eat: first get the menu with the prices. If this does not exist, something can be "fishy". These two restaurants are recommendations from a vacation home rental company. The Tourist Information Office has a list of an estimated 200 restaurants in Viana do Castelo and the suburbs.

  • 1 Arcada, Old Town, Rua Grande 34, 258 823 643
  • 2 O Camelo, Santa Marta de Poruzelo, Rua de Santa Marta, 119, 258 839 090 (6 km), Website

nightlife

accommodation

The city has over 20 hotels and pensions, 2 youth hostels (90 beds) and other accommodations. Information at the Tourist Information. There are over 1,600 pitches on 8 campsites. The biggest is probably the one 1 Orbitur campsite, the length of which alone is over 500 meters.

security

health

It should be noted that it rains more often in northern Portugal, especially in autumn and spring.

There are over 10 pharmacies in town. The contact details are here to experience.

Hospitals and first aid stations are:

  • 6 Hospital de Santa Luzia, Estrada de Santa Luzia, tel. 258 802 100.
  • 7 Hospital Particular, Rua de São João, Tel: 258 808 030
  • 8 Centro de Saúde, Rua Nova de Santana, Tel: 258 829 398
  • 9 Unidade de Saúde Familiar Gil Eanes, Largo Infante Dom Henrique, Tel: 258 839 200
  • 10 Cruz Vermelha (Red Cross), Avenida dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra, 323, Tel: 258 821 821

Practical advice

3  Viana Welcome Center, Praça da Liberdade (The tourist information is located on the rotunda at the foot of the Avda. dos Combatentes de la Grande Guerra near the underground car park. Bicycles can be rented here). Tel.: 351 58 258 098 415, Mobile: 351 58 913 348 813, Email: . Open: 1.7. until August 31 daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bike rental: from 7pm to 11pm. From March to June and in September and October from Tue to Sun 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on monday November to February open. from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Christmas, New Years and Easter.
4  Posto de Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal (Tourist Information for Porto and Northern Portugal), Rua do Hospital Velho (The tourist information is located in the old hospital in the old town.). Tel.: 351 58 258 822 620, Email: . Open: Mon to Sat in winter from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. in summer from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • The post office is on Avenida dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra 11 .
  • The telephone code from abroad is 35158.
  • The zip code is 4904-877.

trips

In addition to the tourist information, 9 travel agencies can help with trips to the region or the nearest cities. Suggestions, experienced by the author himself by car:

1st tour

Lima Valley - Minho Valley - Vigo (Spain) - A Guarda (Minho Estuary) - along the coast back (about 200 km):

  • Viana
  • via A-27 or EN-203/204 - through the Lima Valley - Ponte de Lima: Roman bridge over the Rio Lima, city fountain based on the model of the fountain on Republic Square in Viana, 3 museums, historic town center
  • via A-3 or EN-201 - through the mountains - Valença: Roman milestone, old fortress, double-storey railway bridge over the Minho, three-aisled church Igreja de Santo Estévão (around 1400) with Renaissance facade, historic town center with old city wall
  • over the Minho - Tui: worth seeing old town, cathedral Santa Maria
  • via A-55 - Porriño: very beautiful historic town hall
  • via N-120 - Vigo: Fishing district, old town, beautiful beaches, old fortress, zoo, shopping streets
  • via PO-552 - Baiona: Tourist city, beach with a copy of the Pinta, a caravel of the first Columbus voyage to America
  • A Guarda: Celtic village Castro de Santa Trega, very nice panoramic view over the Minho estuary and the surrounding area (in clear weather)
  • From here you can take the ferry to Caminha translate or use the bridge at
  • Vila Nova de Cerveira: Historic town center, artist town, imposing main church (Igreja Matriz), Excavation site in the Lovelhe district
  • via EN-13 - Caminha: historical center, town hall (square), megalithic complex Dolmen da Barrosa
  • Viana

2nd tour

Barcelos (about 85 km):

  • Viana
  • via EN-308/204 - Barcelos: imposing main church with a large statue of the Portuguese rooster (Galo de Barcelos), the largest Portuguese weekly market on Thursdays, historic town center, old five-arched stone bridge over the Rio Cávado
  • via N-103 - Esposende: archaeological site Castro de São Lourenço. At Esposende and Ofir at the mouth of the Rio Cávado are the most beautiful beaches behind the pine groves. A few kilometers south of it, at Apúlia, you can use the algae collectors (sargaceiros) watch at work.
  • Castelo de Neiva: beautiful sandy beaches
  • Viana

3rd tour

Lima valley (about 136 km, with an alternative Ourense 300 km)

  • Viana
  • via A-27 / EN-203 through the beautiful Lima Valley with magnificent reservoirs -Lindoso: Castle complex, stone granaries
  • National park Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
  • Alternative: via OU-540 - Ourense: (look there)
  • Viana

4th tour

Minho Valley, Lima Valley (about 160 km):

  • Viana
  • via EN-13 - Afife: Monastery
  • Caminha: historical center, town hall (square), megalithic complex Dolmen da Barrosa
  • through the Minho Valley to Valença: Roman milestone, old fortress, double-storey railway bridge over the Minho, three-aisled church Igreja de Santo Estévão (around 1400) with Renaissance facade, historic town center with old city wall
  • via EN-101 - Monção: Wine village (Vigno Verde), viewpoint for the Minho Valley
  • Ponte da Barca (Lima Valley): Roman bridge, main church, historical center
  • Viana

5th tour

Porto, archaeological site Citânia de Briteiros (200 km):

  • Viana
  • via EN-13 / A-11 / EN-14 / variant Alto da Vela / EN-309 - 14 Citânia de Briteiros: old ruined city of the Celtiberians
  • via EN-309 / EN-310 / A-7 / A-3 - postage: (see there), 18 km south of Porto Espinho, a seaside resort with a casino, a beach and glamorous life
  • Viana

Other interesting destinations

literature

Web links

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