Overview
Located in northern Portugal, Vila Real is a town characterized by its hilly terrain, situated prominently on a headland above the Corgo River. This river is a tributary of the Douro, flowing gracefully through a stunning landscape of terraced vineyards.
In the vicinity of the town, one can explore a historic palace associated with a noble family, adorned with Baroque embellishments by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni during the 1700s. He also contributed to the most distinguished church in Vila Real, among a collection of notable granite structures in the historic center. In addition, the countryside features mountain ranges, a village recognized for its pottery by UNESCO, and the intriguing remnants of a Roman sacrificial altar.
Let us delve into the premier attractions in Vila Real:
1. Mateus Palace
Nicolau Nasoni, renowned for his influence on Portuguese Baroque architecture, played a significant role in the design of this noble estate in Vila Real.
This palace is widely recognized as one of the most exquisite Baroque civil edifices, constructed in a lavish style for the 3rd Morgado of Mateus during the early 18th century.
The estate is still retained by his descendants, and the opportunity to view the intricately decorated interiors is available solely through guided tours.
Noteworthy elements within the palace include the library, featuring delicate iron lanterns, and the dining hall, distinguished by a beautifully carved wooden ceiling.
The grounds comprise a chapel, a water garden, manicured box hedges arranged in elegant patterns, and a “Túnel de Cedro,” a natural tunnel formed by interwoven cedar branches.
2. UTAD Botanical Garden
The University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro established this garden on its campus in 1987. It boasts one of the most diverse and botanically significant collections of flora in Portugal, spanning over 80 hectares.
The garden primarily aims to preserve rare native Portuguese species, which represent a substantial portion of the 1,000 plants cultivated in the park, all meticulously labeled.
A herbarium was created simultaneously with the garden and contains over 15,000 specimens, complemented by an interpretation center that provides insights into the garden’s diverse species.
3. Capela Nova
This chapel is easily identifiable in the city center due to its striking facade, characterized by intricate granite carvings, including four lofty Tuscan columns that support a pediment adorned with a statue of St. Peter flanked by two angels.
Though the chapel was established in the 17th century, its impressive stone facade was later enhanced by Nicolau Nasoni.
Inside, visitors can admire tile panels depicting the lives of St. Paul and St. Peter, along with the main altar and side chapels adorned with exquisite gilded wood carvings.
4. Igreja de São Domingos
This church, established with a Dominican convent in 1424, stands as a prime example of Gothic architecture in the Trás-os-Montes region. Unlike the ornate High Gothic churches found elsewhere in Europe, the northern Portuguese churches are characterized by modest, minimalist designs both inside and out.
The Igreja de São Domingos reflects this simplicity, featuring unadorned buttressed walls and small rosettes that serve as the primary sources of illumination within.
The nave and chapels were stripped of Baroque decorations during the Estado Novo, yet several medieval tombs remain embedded in niches within the walls (arcosolia).
5. Santuário de Panóias
Located just outside Vila Real, this fascinating Roman religious sanctuary served as a site for sacrifices over 2000 years ago.
Carved directly from granite during the 1st and 2nd centuries, it features inscriptions, a staircase, purifying pools, and a circular cavity that likely served as a fire pit.
Animals were sacrificed, butchered, and prepared following Roman pagan traditions.
An interpretation center elucidates the significance of the inscriptions and the function of each aspect of the sanctuary.
Visitors can engage in an audioguide tour, which includes a short film displaying a 3D reconstruction of the site in its original context.
6. Museu de Arqueologia e Numismática de Vila Real
This sanctuary is just one of many Roman and pre-Roman sites in the Vila Real region, and the most significant artefacts excavated from these locations have been housed in this 18th-century mansion.
The museum’s permanent archaeological exhibition is organized chronologically, covering periods from the Stone Age through the Bronze and Iron Ages and into the Roman Empire.
Exhibits include polished stone axes, a menhir, and an altar inscribed in homage to the deity Reve Marandicui.
The numismatic section contains over 35,000 coins, predominantly sourced from this area.
These coins originate from various hoards as well as individual finds, dating from the 5th century BC to the 8th century AD.
7. Igreja de São Pedro
The Church of St. Peter represents Vila Real’s distinguished Baroque religious architecture.
Construction commenced in 1528, with a redesign reflecting the Baroque style occurring in the 18th century.
This phase included the crafting of the grand facade, featuring two majestic towers, while the nave was refurbished and enlarged to accommodate an expanding congregation.
The interior is truly stunning.
Above the nave, one can admire 50 polychrome tile panels framed with gilded wood.
In the main chapel, the walls are also elegantly tiled, while the ceiling boasts intricate gilded woodwork.
8. Casa de Diogo Cão
This historic structure, dating back to the 1400s, is rumored to be the birthplace of Diogo Cão, a 15th-century explorer known for being the first European to identify the mouth of the Congo River.
Whether Diogo Cão actually resided in this house or even visited Vila Real remains uncertain, as documentation from that period primarily recorded royal lineage.
Regardless, the house presents a charming facade, redesigned in the 1500s, complemented by an outdoor staircase sheltered within a recess.
9. Alvão Natural Park
Located on the northwestern edge of the city, this designated mountainous area of granite and schist summits encompasses over 70 square kilometers.
The tallest peaks exceed 1,000 meters, and the elevated terrain is adorned with vibrant deciduous forests comprised of oak, hazel, and chestnut trees.
For those interested in hiking, a variety of trails lead to waterfalls, challenging peaks, and picturesque villages featuring homes constructed from granite slate and straw.
Trail enthusiasts may also encounter a wolf (from a safe distance) or a peregrine falcon, while mountain goats, wild boar, and roe deer are commonly sighted.
10. Serra do Marão
Dominating the western skyline is the seventh-highest peak in mainland Portugal, rising to an elevation of 1,415 meters.
While this altitude is not particularly high, it is the scale of this granite massif that makes it noteworthy.
The Serra do Marão has historically hindered regional development to the east due to the difficulty of passage.
This obstacle has only recently been mitigated by the Túnel do Marão, which opened in 2016 after seven years of excavation.
Hikers can easily navigate to the summit, which features a triangulation monument, an observatory, and breathtaking views of the surrounding terrain.
11. Bisalhães
Situated just five kilometers to the west of Vila Real, this village is an integral part of the town’s identity.
A visit is essential for those seeking authentic souvenirs or gifts.
The village is renowned for its unique pottery, sharing its name, which is crafted from clay smoked to a distinctive black hue.
In November 2016, this traditional craft was recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage for its uniqueness and the risk of extinction.
Currently, only a small number of artisans are skilled in this craft, but witnessing the exquisite vases, pots, and dishes created here, all adorned with an obsidian sheen, is a compelling reason to support this tradition.
12. June Festivals
Visitors in Vila Real during June will likely encounter one of the three traditional festivals celebrated during this month.
The festivities commence with Sã o Antonio on the 13th, featuring a cattle fair and National Cattle Competition, accompanied by various cultural activities, including live music in the evening.
São João on the night of the 23rd invites the lively celebrations typical of northern Portuguese cities, highlighted by the grand sardinhada, where sardines are grilled in the city streets.
Following this, Sã o Pedro on the 28th and 29th hosts a craft fair on Rua Central, showcasing local craftsmanship, including Bisalhães pottery.
13. Port Wine
The Vila Real district is deeply connected to the port wine industry, with the nearest wine cellars located along the left bank of the River Corgo.
This river, a tributary of the renowned Douro, serves as the historical route for transporting wine to Porto via rabelo sailboats.
A scenic drive to Peso da Régua on the Douro can be completed in under thirty minutes, offering a picturesque journey that follows the Corgo through steep, vineyard-laden hills.
This route forms part of the Baixo Corgo segment of the Porto Wine Route, leading past historic quintas, wine caves, and cooperatives.
14. Teatro de Vila Real
In keeping with many Portuguese towns, Vila Real constructed a modern theatre and cultural center in the early 2000s.
Regarded as part of the esteemed “Rede Nacional de Teatros,” this venue is noteworthy for its design by the celebrated Filipe Oliveira Dias.
The architecture features a fluid, organic aesthetic, down to the meticulously designed harp-shaped chairs in the auditorium, also crafted by the architect.
The facility boasts remarkable acoustic design, and patrons can enjoy an active schedule of dance, theatre, and live performances across genres such as folk, jazz, and rock.
15. Local Food
Vila Real is home to numerous traditional taverns where one can enjoy authentic regional cuisine.
This area of Portugal is famous for its tripas aus molhos, or “tripe in sauce,” a delectable dish featuring calf tripe stuffed with cured ham and served in a piquant white wine and piripíri sauce.
Other culinary staples include roasted kid goat with rice, roasted veal, and a variety of cod dishes, reflecting Portugal’s rich culinary tradition.
The town is also celebrated for its confections, with many recipes originating from convent kitchens, incorporating eggs donated by brides before marriage.
Toucinho do Céu is a rich cake made from almonds and egg yolks, while Pitos de Santa Luzia are delightful pastry parcels filled with candied gila (similar to pumpkin rind).
