Viana do Castelo & Ponte de Lima - Full Day

Description:

Discover Ponte de Lima - The oldest (and most genuine) village in Portugal! This locality has known occupation and recognized importance since the era of the Roman Empire. The bridge that gives it its name has Roman architecture, and later, in the medieval period, it was restructured, becoming the safest crossing point over the Lima river in the region. It remains to this day a historical and cultural landmark due to its unique characteristics! The strategic location - surrounded to the north by the mountainous system of Arga and cut by the river - led to the granting of the small town as a Village in 1125, and later walled up as protection against the constant attacks of the kingdom of León from the north.

Currently, Ponte de Lima is a true return to the past, full of enchanting stories to discover and hear. The small historic center still preserves a Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical genesis present in the housing facades, two of the original towers of the wall still remain untouched, and of course, the Roman / Medieval bridge that today is a reference for all the pilgrims of the Camino de Santiago that here cross the Lima towards the cathedral.

One of the most beautiful cities in the north of Portugal is undoubtedly Viana do Castelo. Capital of the district and located in Alto Minho, this elegant city is characterized by its connection to Shipbuilding that dates back to the time of the discoveries in the 16th century, and the Typical Festive Costumes in honor of Nossa Senhora da Agonia with the predominant red and enormous ostentation of gold displayed on the chest. The huge religious and labor legacy accompanies the recognition of one of the highest quality of life indices in the country, making it a Cittaslow city today.

In the historic center (once also delimited by a fortified wall) the Renaissance, Baroque, Manueline or Art Decó are predominant styles in public and residential buildings. They clearly represent an artistic and innovative culture that extends throughout the urban limits. Also examples of this vision are the Gustave Eiffel bridge or Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, inspired by the Basilic of Sacré Coeur.

Our visit to the city will touch on some emblematic points such as the Old Town Hall, the Costume Museum, the Gil Eanes Hospital Ship or the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Agonia. At the end, we will go up to hill of Santa Luzia where you will be able to admire the whole city being cut by the Lima river as he meets the Atlantic.

Itinerary Resume

09:30am - Pick up

10:30am - Lima River

11:00am - Walls/Historical Center

12:00am - Medieval Bridge

01:00pm - Camino de Santiago

01:30pm - Lunch/Free time

03:30pm - Fortress Viana

04:00pm - Center / Margin

05:00pm - Santa Luzia

06:30pm - Return to the origin

End of our services