Praça da República

Viana do Castelo


This fine hub of seven narrow laneways is at the heart of the old town’s zone of mansions and monuments. An especially elegant example is the Chafariz, a Renaissance fountain built in 1554. The fountain is topped with Manueline motifs of an armillary sphere and the cross of the Order of Christ. The fortress-like Antigos Paços do Concelho is the old town hall – a 16th-century creation that sometimes hosts contemporary art exhibitions.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Viana do Castelo attractions

1. Chafariz

0.02 MILES

A Renaissance fountain built in 1554. The fountain is topped with Manueline motifs of an armillary sphere and the cross of the Order of Christ.

2. Antigos Paços do Concelho

0.03 MILES

The fortresslike Antigos Paços do Concelho is the old town hall from the 16th century. It sometimes hosts contemporary art exhibitions.

3. Museu do Traje

0.04 MILES

This attractive museum houses the traditional wear used for farming, fishing and seaweed harvesting in centuries past. You’ll see costumes worn during the…

5. Igreja Matriz

0.07 MILES

This elegant parish church – also known as the sé – dates from the 15th century, although it has since been through several reincarnations. Check out its…

6. Gil Eannes

0.22 MILES

Demanding attention on the waterfront near Largo 5 de Outubro is a pioneering naval hospital ship, the Gil Eannes (zheel yan-ish). Now restored, the ship…

7. Museu de Artes Decorativas

0.28 MILES

The 18th-century Palacete Barbosa Maciel bears witness to Viana’s affluent past. It houses this impressive collection of 17th- and 18th-century ceramics …

8. Fábrica do Chocolate

0.3 MILES

This small five-room museum devoted to chocolate is fun and interactive, treating you to tidbits of facts and curiosities, but it's also often packed with…