Viana do Castelo
A very attractive northern town
Santa Luzia Sanctuary
Viana do Castelo - Asta d'Eca
Viana do Castelo is situated in the far north of Portugal, at the mouth of the river Lima. Up until the the 19th century the town was known as Viana da Foz do Lima (Town at the mouth of the Lima). Like many of the cities along the Portuguese coastline, Viana do Castelo evolved from a small fishing village to a major port during the age of the Discoveries as the Portuguese naval empire expanded.
Its close proximity to Spain, and its value as a seaport, was a source of conflict between the two countries for many years. The Spanish attempted to take the city on several occasions, with the final occupation ending in 1847.
Viana do Castelo appears to have had a long established Jewish community (the Jewish quarter was officially established in 1442 where the present-day Praca da Republica now stands) and during the reign of Spain´s zealously anti-semitic King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella large numbers of Spanish Jews made their home in the city escaping the Inquisition.
As with countless other towns and cities across Portugal, the veneration of the Virgin Mary is celebrated in the towns annual feat of Our Lady of Agony (Nossa Senhora da Agonia). Every August 18th to 20th thousands of pilgrims from surrounding villages flock to Viana do Castelo dressed in colourful costumes, beating drums and fireworks to celebrate the queen of the festival.
Whilst the 18th century rococo church of Nossa Senhora da Agonia plays an important part of these festivities, the most impressive place of worship is the Misericordia located in the main square. This particular Misericordia has long been praised by visitors for its for its somewhat heavy façade lit up with boxes of brightly coloured geraniums. The main square contains an exquisite renaissance fountain in the centre and is surrounded by pleasant cafes and other impressive pieces of architecture.
Towering over Viana do Castelo stands the hill of Monte Luzia, home to the Santa Luzia church, often derided for its ugliness, but providing a fantastic view of the town.
Hotels in Viana do Castelo
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