Places to explore in Vila Real

Places to explore in Vila Real

Situated in a privileged area of great natural abundance, sheltered by the magnificent Marão / Alvão Mountains and the Corgo river, Vila Real is the city of transmontana that offers you all the cultural heritage of the region, expressed in the gastronomic moments, the famous Bisalhães clay and its people.

With summer just around the corner and sunny days, this is your opportunity to make a real getaway and get to know in detail the secrets hidden behind the hills.

There are, in fact, several places not to be missed on a visit to Vila Real. However, here are a few must-see attractions, such as Palácio de Mateus, the work of Nicolau Nasoni and the UTAD Botanical Garden. However, there are other places you should not miss on your visit:

Capela Nova

With a deeply decorated façade, it maintains a solid architecture marked by two imposing columns of Tuscan order, on each side of the entrance portico, with relief carved entablature and a counter-curved pediment surmounted by three sculptures representing Saint Peter and two angels.

Alvão Natural Park / Parque Natural de Alvão

Here the tree species are varied, with oak woods in the higher areas and mixed hardwood forests alternating with exotic plantations. Near the water courses, where a varied fauna drinks, a beautiful tree, the birch, stands out. The agricultural areas include fields of rye (an altitude cereal), maize and potatoes, marshland, where Maronese cattle are raised, and common land where the goats are grazed. You can enjoy breathtaking landscapes.

Galegos da Serra Waterfall / Cascata Galegos da Serra

Located near the village that gives it its name and within the protected area of the Alvão Natural Park, this waterfall is one of the little treasures of this region because of its surroundings and calm. Enjoy some quiet moments.

Cathedral of Vila Real / Church of São Domingos |
Sé de Vila Real / Igreja de São Domingos

Headquarters of a convent of the order of São Domingos and founded by vimaranenses monks in time of D. João I (1421), the city’s Cathedral is located in the centre of Vila Real and is the best example of transmontano gothic architecture.

Sordo Dam / Barragem do Sordo

Just a few minutes from the centre of town, the Sordo Dam is an advantageous option for those who want to take a dip without leaving the city centre. In this dam, you will find attractive landscapes and inviting water.

Archaeology and Numismatics Museum of Vila Real /
Museu de Arqueologia e Numismática de Vila Real

The MANVR shows visitors the Permanent Numismatics Exhibition and the Permanent Archaeology Exhibition, also providing an Educational Service, which complements not only the visit to the mentioned exhibitions but also the activity of the Temporary Exhibitions Area. The Documentation Centre is also available to the general public, which includes works in the areas of local history, archaeology and numismatics, among others.

Old Town Museum / Museu da Vila Velha

The organisation of the interior space of the museum, with the distribution of spaces over two floors, allows the definition of two exhibition areas: on the lower floor, an area dedicated to temporary exhibitions, with various themes; on the upper floor, an area for medium-length exhibitions, preferably related to archaeology.

Vila Real Pedestrian Walkways /
Passadiços de Vila Real

The most recent footbridges in the city allow you to get to know the scarps of the Corgo River, its bed and to have a different view of Vila Real. Come and enjoy moments of contact with nature and discover new routes.

At the end of this walk, taste the best flavours of the region at CAISDAVILLA.

Make your reservation now!

Reservations:
+351 259 351 209
geral@caisdavilla.com