فايسيو، البرتغال

The City of Viseu

Viseu is one of the main cities in the Centro region of Portugal, with approximately 60,000 inhabitants. It is classified as one of the European cities with the best quality of life, designated as a Gastronomy Destination, distinguished for having the cleanest sidewalks, the best cycle paths, the best road network, the best provision of green spaces, and the best and most diverse offering of restaurants, supermarkets, and shopping centers. It is the largest urban center in Portugal outside the coast, with constant growth. Viseu is a district capital city divided between the center and north of Portugal. It borders the districts of Porto, Vila Real, and Bragança to the north, the district of Guarda to the east, the district of Coimbra to the south, and the district of Aveiro to the west. It is 299 km from Lisbon and 128 km from Porto by highway. Its economy is based on agriculture, particularly wine (Dão wine) and potato cultivation, as well as the textile, electronics, ceramics, and construction materials industries.

Attractions to Visit in Viseu (Top 11)

Historic Center of Viseu

The Historic Center of Viseu is the most important area of the city, covering approximately 25.4 hectares and comprising 658 buildings, most of which predate 1950. This area of Viseu has undergone extensive redevelopment: rehabilitation of all buildings, creation of parking facilities for private cars and tourist buses, improvement of the public transport network, provision of incentives for residents of the historic center to transform their balconies into “hanging gardens,” and the establishment of services to revitalize the area, such as a business incubator and the Regional Conservatory of Music. Known as the “garden city of Portugal,” Viseu has an urban center organized around squares and gardens, offering a unique quality of life in Portugal and excellent conditions for social interaction. Highlights of the urban area of Viseu include:

• Praça D. Duarte: This is one of the oldest squares in the city, with eight entrances leading to eight streets. It features buildings of medieval origin and shops on the ground floor, a long-standing tradition in Portugal.
• Praça do Rossio (Praça da República): This is the heart of the city, home to the Almeida Moreira House Museum, the City Hall building, the Church of the Third Order of Saint Francis, the Garden of Mothers, the Tomás Ribeiro Garden, and Aquilino Ribeiro Park.
• Largo da Sé: This is the prime public space in Viseu, offering access to almost the entire city. It houses buildings of great historical importance, such as the Viseu Cathedral, the Grão Vasco Museum, and the Church of Misericórdia. Largo da Sé is the highest point of the historic center of Viseu.
• Rua Direita: This is one of the founding streets of Viseu. Rua Direita is the city’s main commercial street, an authentic open-air shopping center, with typical shops housed in 16th-century buildings.
• Rua Formosa: Built in the 19th century to create a new center and a new commercial zone in Viseu. It is here that we find the City Hall building, which houses the Municipal Council.
• Rua do Hilário: Formerly the location of the Jewish quarter, the Jewish Ghetto of Viseu. Rua do Hilário was named to honor Augusto Hilário, the founder of Coimbra Fado, who was born in this location.

Viseu Cathedral

Viseu Cathedral: This National Monument cathedral showcases Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque styles, visible in its wood carvings, tilework, and paintings. Construction began in the 12th century and was extensively renovated in the 13th century. It was almost entirely destroyed in a storm in the 17th century. The clock tower survived this storm, and the facade and main chapel were subsequently restored. The cloister of the Cathedral is one of the main references of Portuguese Renaissance architecture. Here, one can visit the Museum of Sacred Art of Viseu Cathedral / Treasury of the Cathedral, a museum with collections of religious objects and altarpiece images commemorating bishops.

Fontelo Park

Fontelo Park: This park is known for its woodland and its extensive facilities for outdoor sports activities, including football fields, a tennis court, swimming pools, and a fitness circuit.

Aquilino Ribeiro Park

Aquilino Ribeiro Park: This city park features dense and varied flora in the very center of Viseu.

Cava de Viriato

Cava de Viriato: A national monument since 1910, it consists of a Roman fortification located near the site of the São Mateus fair, north of Viseu. “Cava” was a traditional Roman-era encampment. Despite the name including Viriato, the Cava has no connection to the Lusitanian warrior Viriato. Only in the 16th century was the name Viriato associated with the Cava.

Viriato Theatre

Viriato Theatre: This theatre is recognized as an Institution of Public Utility. It boasts elegant and detailed architecture and decoration, located in Largo Mouzinho de Albuquerque. It was inaugurated in 1883 as the Teatro da Boa União, but in 1898 it adopted its current name in honor of the Portuguese hero Viriato. This theatre hosts regular cultural performances, managed and programmed by the Viseu Performing Arts Center, a Cultural and Educational Association.

Grão Vasco Museum

Grão Vasco Museum: This is the most important museum in Viseu, housing pieces classified as “National Treasures.” Notably, the Former Altarpiece of the Main Chapel of Viseu Cathedral, comprising fourteen paintings depicting scenes from the birth and death of Jesus Christ. It holds approximately 1300 documents, 17 handwritten books, and 4 seals, with pieces dating from the 13th to the 20th centuries. The collection includes works by the painter Vasco Fernandes (Grão Vasco) that were previously in the sacristy of Viseu Cathedral, ceramic pieces from Portuguese collections of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Oriental porcelain, Portuguese faience, and European ceramics. It also features sculptures from the 13th, 15th, and 16th centuries, a furniture collection dating from the 17th century to the second half of the 20th century, textile pieces including carpets, religious vestments, liturgical furnishings, bedspreads, fabric fragments, and a 17th-century silk-embroidered ceremonial cloth from China. The goldsmithery collection includes legacies from the Viscount of Trindade, Colonel Joaquim Cabral Cavaleiro, and D. Maria Fernanda de Vasconcelos Lucena e Vale, dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries. The Grão Vasco Museum is located in the former Episcopal Palace.

Garden of Mothers

Garden of Mothers: A small and tranquil garden located in the historic center of the city, filled with colorful flowers, featuring decorated spaces with garden benches.

Quartz Museum

Quartz Museum: This museum is housed within a crater created by quartz stone extraction, offering a window into the earth’s interior. The Quartz Museum has a strong educational focus, with visits adapted for various age groups, featuring a permanent exhibition and temporary exhibitions on mineralogy themes.

Dão Ecopista

Dão Ecopista: This cycle path has received awards for excellence and for promoting cycling mobility. It spans 49.2 km, traversing the municipalities of Viseu, Tondela, and Santa Comba Dão. The Ecopista was created on the former railway line, which opened in 1890 and closed entirely in 1988. On the Dão Ecopista, one can participate in tours from various starting and ending points, including Tonda, Tondela, Tondelinha, Viseu, Aguiar da Beira, Caramulo, Carregal do Sal, Castro Daire, Farminhão, Mangualde, Oliveira de Frades, Penalva do Castelo, Santa Comba Dão, and Sernada do Vouga. There are 11 pre-designed tours available at ecopistadodao.pt, which can be completed in one or several days, passing through points of natural and cultural interest, spas, hotels, guesthouses, rural tourism establishments, and much more. Here, one can cycle the entire path from any point or opt for personalized tours suitable for everyone, visiting the various old stations along the route: Santa Comba Dão, Treixedo, Tonda, Tondela, Sabugosa, Parada de Gonta, Farminhão, Torredeita, Mosteirinho (halt), Figueiró, Travassós, Tondelinha, and Vildemoinhos (halt).

Dão Route

Dão Route: This is a circular route of 11.7 km with an accumulated elevation gain of 530 meters. It begins at the E B 2,3 D. Luís de Loureiro school in Silgueiros, passing through the village of Pindelo towards the forest and vineyard area. Along this route, one will cross the Dão River and visit the wine-producing estates Quinta do Perdigão and Quinta de Santos Lima.

Other Attractions to Visit in Viseu

Palace of Ice

Palace of Ice: This is the largest shopping center in the district of Viseu. Inaugurated in 1996 and renovated in 2008, the Palácio do Gelo Shopping features six cinemas, the region’s largest hypermarket, an Ice Bar, fashion stores, and a terrace with views of the Estrela and Caramulo mountain ranges.

Forum Viseu

Forum Viseu: A four-story shopping center located in the center of Viseu, featuring 6 cinemas, a food court, international fashion stores, services, and 800 parking spaces.

Porta dos Cavaleiros

Porta dos Cavaleiros: This is one of the seven ancient gates that provided access to the interior of Viseu’s Roman walls. It is one of the city’s many icons, forming part of the old city wall, an arch that beautifully represents the medieval heritage of this District.

Porta do Soar

Porta do Soar: Also known as Porta de São Francisco, this is one of the seven gates of the Walls of Viseu, a section of the ancient wall, a 15th-century structure classified as a national monument. Porta do Soar was built starting in 1412 and was only completed during the reign of Afonso V.

Palace of the Counts of Anadia

Palace of the Counts of Anadia: A splendid and well-preserved 18th-century noble residence, adapted into a museum that chronicles the history of a family deeply intertwined with the history of Portugal, rich in detail and spanning various eras of Portuguese history. The estate includes gardens and stables, and local production of olive oil, wine, vinegar, and honey. Inside the palace, notable features include the staircases, a hall entirely decorated with tile panels, a sacristy, and period costumes.

Carmo 81

Carmo 81: Considered one of the best venues for nightlife and cultural entertainment, hosting regular concerts in Viseu. Carmo 81 is known for its wall decorated with a three-dimensional artwork depicting a feline.

Former Church of the Third Order of Saint Francis

Former Church of the Third Order of Saint Francis: An 18th-century church with an interior decorated in gilded wood carvings and a frieze of tiles depicting the life of Saint Francis. The church is situated on a high point, accessible by a long staircase, offering views of the garden and fountain.

Terra de Besteiros Museum and Tourist Office

Terra de Besteiros Museum and Tourist Office: Located in the Solar de Santa Ana, this museum exhibits the history of the region from prehistory to the present day, covering aspects of social life. It is also the location of the Tondela Tourist Office.

House of Agriculture and Linen Workshop – Ethnographic Museum

House of Agriculture and Linen Workshop – Ethnographic Museum: A museum with collections related to the heritage of traditional linen culture.

Artificial Beach of Mangualde

The Artificial Beach of Mangualde: A sandy beach created in 2011 in Mangualde, featuring a sandy area with a swimming zone, which also hosts concerts and sporting events. Admission is charged, with free access for children up to 5 years old.

Church of Misericórdia

Church of Misericórdia: A church with a Rococo facade, dating from the second half of the 18th century, classified as a national monument, located opposite Viseu Cathedral.

Casa da Ribeira

Casa da Ribeira: A space dedicated to regional crafts of Viseu, featuring exhibitions of various crafts linked to ancestral “industries,” showcasing the lifestyle and culture of the region.

Anta de Cunha Baixa

Anta de Cunha Baixa: A megalithic monument with a chamber and corridor, dating between 3000 and 2500 BC, from the Bell Beaker period, classified as a National Monument. The Anta is situated in an open valley near the Castelo River. The artifacts recovered from Anta de Cunha Baixa are on display at the National Museum of Archaeology in Lisbon.

Citânia da Raposeira

The Citânia da Raposeira: A simple site amidst nature, featuring the Roman ruins of an inn with various dependencies near Monte da Srª do Castelo, providing evidence of the important road axis connecting Lusitania (Portugal) to the capital of the Empire (Rome).

Vouzela Railway Bridge

The Vouzela Railway Bridge: An old bridge of great architectural beauty, creating a unique landscape with the surrounding Zela River and the town of Vouzela. Adjacent to the bridge, there is a children’s playground.

City History Museum

City History Museum: A small museum space dedicated to valorizing the history, heritage, and people of Viseu. Here, one can learn a great deal of information about Viseu, from the Stone Age to the present day. It is a well-maintained museum with very interesting information about the Viseu region.

Almeida Moreira House-Museum

Almeida Moreira House-Museum: A museum housed in the former residence of Captain Francisco António de Almeida Moreira, comprising a library, artworks, paintings, antique furniture, porcelain, and sculptures.

Convent of São Francisco

Convent of São Francisco: This is the location of the Church of São Francisco do Monte, as the former medieval monastery no longer exists.

Arbutus do Demo Botanical Park

Arbutus do Demo Botanical Park: A forest park with nature trails, although it is sometimes closed!

Casa do Miradouro – José Coelho Archaeological Collection

Casa do Miradouro – José Coelho Archaeological Collection: A historic house inaugurated in the 16th century, notable for its portal and mullioned windows.

Tile Panel

Tile Panel: An imposing tile panel located in Rossio, in the historic center of the city, classified as a Monument of Municipal Interest. The tiles are by the modernist artist Joaquim Lopes, a native of Porto.

Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo

Church of the Venerable Third Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: An 18th-century church, classified as a National Monument.

Palace of the Marquis of Reriz

Palace of the Marquis of Reriz: A 18th-century manor house located on Rua Direita, with an imposing facade where the family crest can be observed.

Solar dos Condes de Prime

Solar dos Condes de Prime: A historic Baroque-style manor house inaugurated in the 18th century, housing the Regional Conservatory of Music Dr. José Azevedo Perdigão.

Alcafache Thermal Baths

Alcafache Thermal Baths: The only thermal baths in the municipality of Viseu, located amidst nature in the Dão valley by the river, approximately 8 km from the city. Considered to have some of the richest and hottest waters in Portugal, these thermal waters emerge at 50°C, with a sulphurous, bicarbonated, and sodic composition, and are weakly mineralized. They are indicated for therapeutic thermalism in respiratory diseases and rheumatic and musculoskeletal problems.

Fonte das Três Bicas

Fonte das Três Bicas: A monumental Baroque-style fountain located in Largo da Sé, next to the Church of Misericórdia.

Rua Direita of Viseu

Rua Direita: One of the oldest streets in Viseu, where some of the buildings mentioned in this article can be found, along with traditional shops.

Church of São João Batista

Church of São João Batista: A 12th-century church built of granite, formerly belonging to the patronage of the Commandery of Malta.

Solar dos Peixotos

Solar dos Peixotos: An 18th-century manor house, an example of Viseu’s noble architecture, notable for its staircase and the tiles decorating its walls. It is the location of the Municipal Assembly of Viseu. Solar Visconde de Treixedo: A coat-of-arms adorned Baroque-style manor house, classified as a Property of Public Interest, built in the first half of the 18th century.

“Quinta Chave Grande” Campsite

“Quinta Chave Grande” Campsite: A tranquil campsite for tents and caravans, surrounded by nature, featuring lawns, trees, and a swimming pool area.

Príncipe Perfeito Sports Complex

Príncipe Perfeito Sports Complex: A water park equipped with an outdoor pool with slides, indoor pools, and gyms.

Localities and Parishes to Visit Near Viseu

Castro Daire

Castro Daire: A town located on Castro Daire hill, notable for the Chapel of Carrancas, the Hermitage of Paiva, the Main Church, and the Municipal Museum of Castro Daire.

Cinfães

Cinfães: A Portuguese town with a history linked to the Knights Templar, who owned fortresses here, including the Torre da Chã and the Torre dos Pintos. Cinfães is also connected to the history of the childhood of King D. Afonso Henriques and his tutor Egas Moniz. In Cinfães, one finds significant built heritage, notably the Church of São Cristóvão de Nogueira, the Church of Senhora de Cales or Cádiz, the Church of Tarouquela, and the Church of Escamarão. Cinfães is home to the archaeological site of Castro das Coroas, an ancient fortified settlement whose occupation may date back to the Bronze Age, and the Walls of Portas do Montemuro, consisting of a stone wall with an occupation area of approximately five hectares among the mountain rocks, with various scattered buildings.

Carregal do Sal

Carregal do Sal: A Portuguese town located in the Dão-Lafões sub-region, known for its natural beauty, Dão wine, and olive oil. The main attractions of this town are the Soares de Albergaria Municipal Museum and the Olive Oil Press Museum of Lagar de Varas de Parada.

Lamego

Lamego: A city located in the district of Viseu, the second-largest locality in the region with approximately 13,000 inhabitants. Lamego was the site of the first Portuguese Cortes during the reign of the first Portuguese king, D. Afonso Henriques. The city’s heritage includes buildings such as the Chapel of São Pedro de Balsemão; the Castle of Lamego; the Convent of Ferreirim; the Church of Santa Maria de Almacave; the Lamego Museum; the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios; and the Lamego Cathedral.

Moimenta da Beira

Moimenta da Beira: A Portuguese town, seat of a municipality with 16 parishes: Alvite, Arcozelos, Baldos, Cabaços, Caria, Castelo, Leomil, Moimenta da Beira, Paradinha and Nagosa, Passô, Pera Velha, Aldeia de Nacomba and Ariz, Peva and Segões, Rua, Sarzedo, Sever, and Vilar. Moimenta da Beira is famous for its wine production, apple production, and for being the municipality where Aquilino Ribeiro lived at various stages of his life.

Penedono

Penedono: A town situated within the geographical limits of the Portuguese Beira region. Penedono is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal. The main attractions of this town are: the Castle, the Penedono Interpretation Center, the Olive Oil Mill of Póvoa de Penela, prehistoric monuments, and the City Hall.

Resende

Resende: Located approximately one hour from Porto, Resende is the capital of cherries in Portugal and the gateway to the Douro Demarcated Region. The festivals and pilgrimages of Resende contribute significantly to the economic development. The most important festivals in Resende are: the Festa das Cavacas, held annually in April, and the Cherry Festival, held annually in May. Resende hosts various events related to water sports, including: rowing – the Portuguese Rowing Cup is held here; jet ski – the National Jet Ski Championship is held here; and powerboating – the National Powerboating Championship is held here. The municipality of Resende includes vast historical heritage, notably the village of Granja de Ovadas, the village of Pachorra, the village of Panchorrinha, and the Caldas de Aregos Thermal Baths. The traditional gastronomy of Resende includes specialties such as cured meats, oven-roasted lamb, bazulaque, Resende cavacas, and Felgueiras toast.

Santa Comba Dão

Santa Comba Dão: A Portuguese city through which the Dão Ecopista passes, a 48 km cycle path created on the former Dão railway line, running from Viseu, Tondela, and Vimieiro. In Santa Comba Dão, one can visit the 18th-century Main Church of Santa Comba Dão, the Casa de Joaquim Alves Mateus from 1555, and the Casa dos Arcos, which houses the municipal library.

São Pedro do Sul

São Pedro do Sul: A Portuguese city located in the heart of the Lafões valley. This city is known for its thermal waters and for being the most floral place in the Lafões valley. In the municipality of São Pedro do Sul, highlights include the São Pedro do Sul Thermal Center, the Village of Covas do Monte, the Village of Pena, the Village of Fujaço, the Biopark, the Monastery of São Cristóvão de Lafões, and the Serra de São Macário.

Sernancelhe

Sernancelhe: A historic Portuguese town where one can find the Main Church of the Parish of Sernancelhe, dating from the 12th century, and the former house of the international Catholic organization Casa da Comenda da Ordem de Malta, which currently operates as a rural tourism establishment.

Mortágua

Mortágua: A Portuguese town and municipality seat where archaeological remains dating back to the Paleolithic era can be found.

Penalva do Castelo

Penalva do Castelo: A Portuguese town located in the Dão-Lafões sub-region. This locality is known for its natural beauty, Penalva Dão wine, the Bravo de Esmolfe apple, and Serra cheese. The main attractions are the Casa da Ínsua and the Main Church.

Montebelo Golf Course

Montebelo Golf Course: Located between the Estrela and Caramulo mountain ranges, it features an eighteen-hole golf course.

Alcafache Thermal Baths

Alcafache Thermal Baths: Located approximately 8 km from Viseu, amidst nature in the Dão valley. The waters of these thermal baths are recommended for treating health problems, particularly respiratory issues, skin conditions, chronic rheumatism, and musculoskeletal diseases.

Caldas de Felgueira Thermal Baths

Caldas de Felgueira Thermal Baths: A thermal spa located in the Alto Mondego valley, set within a landscape of unique natural beauty. The waters of these thermal baths have been used since the 19th century for the cure of various ailments.

Carvalhal Thermal Baths

Carvalhal Thermal Baths: Located in the municipality of Castro Daire, amidst the Montemuro and Arada mountains. The water has an average temperature of 42°C. The water from these thermal baths is recommended for the treatment of skin diseases, digestive disorders, and respiratory illnesses.

The Gastronomy of Viseu

The gastronomy of Viseu awakens unique and intense palates. The cuisine of this region plays an important role in attracting tourists. Viseu offers specialties such as:

• Sopa da Beira
• Arroz de Carqueja
• Arroz de Lampreia
• Roast Kid
• Migas à Lagareiro
• Sausages
• Presunto
• Rancho à Moda de Viseu
• Roasted Octopus à Lagareiro
• Paiva River Trout
• Beijinhos
• Viseu Egg Chestnuts
• Cavacas
• Vouzela Pastries
• Beira Alta Apple
• Bravo de Esmolfe Apple
• Serra da Estrela Cheese
• Lafões Veal
• Dão Wine

The Wines of Viseu

In the district of Viseu, there are three main types of wine:

• Dão Wine: Wine cultivated in the Dão wine region. This region covers approximately 376,000 hectares in a mountainous area with a harsh climate. The Dão Demarcated Region encompasses the following municipalities in the district of Viseu: Aguiar da Beira, Mangualde, Nelas, Penalva do Castelo, Tondela, and Viseu.
• Lafões Wine: This wine is cultivated along the Vouga River and includes the municipalities of Oliveira de Frades, São Pedro do Sul, and Vouzela.
• Regional Wine of “Beiras”: Wine cultivated in the municipalities of Aguiar da Beira, Mangualde, Nelas, Penalva do Castelo, Sátão, Tondela, Oliveira de Frades, Viseu, and Vouzela.

District of Viseu

The district of Viseu experiences significant temperature variations, with a Mediterranean climate influenced by continental and maritime factors, featuring harsh and humid winters and hot, dry summers. The district of Viseu is divided into 24 municipalities: Armamar, Carregal do Sal, Castro Daire, Cinfães, Lamego, Mangualde, Moimenta da Beira, Mortágua, Nelas, Oliveira de Frades, Penalva do Castelo, Penedono, Resende, Santa Comba Dão, São João da Pesqueira, São Pedro do Sul, Sátão, Sernancelhe, Tabuaço, Tarouca, Tondela, Vila Nova de Paiva, Viseu, and Vouzela.

Municipality of Viseu

The municipality of Viseu comprises 25 parishes: Abraveses, Barreiros e Cepões, Boa Aldeia, Farminhão e Torredeita, Bodiosa, Calde, Campo, Cavernães, Cota, Coutos de Viseu, Fail e Vila Chã de Sá, Fragosela, Lordosa, Mundão, Orgens, Povolide, Ranhados, Repeses e São Salvador, Ribafeita, Rio de Loba, Santos Evos, São Cipriano e Vil de Souto, São João de Lourosa, São Pedro de France, Silgueiros, and the city of Viseu.

Geography of Viseu

Viseu is located on the Viseu Plateau, surrounded by large areas of pine, chestnut, and oak vegetation, enclosed by a mountainous system consisting of the Leomil, Montemuro, and Lapa mountains, the Arado mountain range, the Estrela and Lousã mountains, and the Caramulo mountain range. Here, one finds the Vouga River, Dão River, Paiva River, Douro River, and Mondego River.

History of Viseu

Viseu was founded during the Roman occupation, with two main areas: the Cathedral hill and the Regueira lowlands. The Regueira area was served by a large number of Roman roads, which led to the emergence of Cava de Viriato, a settlement that would give rise to the current city of Viseu, the birthplace of Viriato, a hunter, shepherd, and warrior who fought against the Roman occupation in the 2nd century. Viriato is the most important mythological figure in Portuguese history, the Lusitanian hero from the Viseu region who resisted the Roman invaders in the 2nd century. In 572, during the Visigothic occupation, the settlement of Viseu already had a bishop. In the 8th century, Viseu was occupied by the Muslims and reconquered by Ferdinand I, King of León and Castile, in 1058. Viseu was the residence of Count D. Henrique and D. Teresa; it was D. Teresa who granted the charter in 1123. This locality began to grow in the 14th century and was donated in 1416 to Prince Henry during the 15th century. King Manuel I granted a new charter to Viseu in 1513. Viseu gained cultural relevance, particularly in painting during the 16th century with the painter Vasco Fernandes, whose works can be revisited at the Grão Vasco Museum. Viseu’s growth was interrupted by a storm in the 17th century that destroyed most of the city, which subsequently recovered in the 19th century with the reconstruction of the city, notably the building housing Viseu City Hall and Rua Formosa, the main access to the historic center.

Economy of Viseu and Innovative Projects

Viseu produces wheat, corn, rye, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits. The most important crop in the district is the vine. The most significant industries in the Viseu region are: wood, ceramics, metal mechanics, and food products. Viseu has promoted its economy through the adoption of innovative projects, including:

• “2017: The Official Year to Visit Viseu”: A marketing campaign aimed at promoting the city throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
• Autoestrada do Centro: Intended to connect Coimbra and Viseu.
• Dão Ecopista: This project aims to implement cycle paths totaling approximately 50 km.
• Business Incubator in the Historic Center of Viseu: A project undertaken to revitalize the historic center and create employment in the areas of heritage, culture, and technology.
• Viseuinveste: A project aimed at attracting investment to companies in the region. MUV / Urban Mobility: This project aims to construct an urban network of cycle paths by 2018.

In the district of Viseu, there are five industrial clusters:

• Automotive Cluster: Located in Mangualde, Tondela, Nelas, and Vouzela. It includes companies such as Citroen, Bomoro Portuguesa, the Bosch group, Sasal – Automotive Seats, EDA, and Faurecia.
• Ceramics Cluster: Situated in Santa Comba Dão, it includes companies such as Aquatis, Cerutil, and Visabeira.
• Wood Cluster: Located in Nelas and Santa Comba Dão, it includes companies such as Sonae, Lusofinsa, Madiberia, and Dierre Portugal.
• Metal Mechanics Cluster: Located in Viseu, it integrates companies such as Martifer and Gruvis.
• Textile Cluster: Located in Nelas and Vouzela, it encompasses companies such as Borgstena Textile Portugal and Britons Portugal.

Fairs of Viseu

The fairs of Viseu are important tourist attractions for the region, including:

• Feira de São Mateus: This is the most important fair in Viseu, a historic fair established by the Fair Charter granted by King John I on January 10, 1392. The Feira de São Mateus is organized by the municipality of Viseu and is visited by people from all over the world. It hosts major Portuguese and international artists, with dozens of musical concerts, a 9,000m² amusement park with attractions for all ages, dozens of restaurants offering typical regional cuisine, commercial events and exhibitions, and the presence of the Dão wine region with an exhibition of produced wines. The fair is sought after by major Portuguese brands looking to sponsor high-profile events. The Feira de São Mateus employs over 1,000 workers annually for its realization, generating hundreds of jobs. The Feira de São Mateus takes place annually during the first fortnight of August.
• Holy Week: Held annually between April 9 and 16.
• Spring Music Festival: Held annually between April 10 and 30.
• May 2nd Festival: Held annually on May 2nd.
• Popular Festivals, Marches, and Cavalhadas: Held annually between June 1 and 30.

Handicrafts of Viseu

The handicrafts of Viseu include products from a wide variety of activities, namely carpentry, basketry, paper flowers, wrought iron, pottery, furniture making, and weaving. The Fundação da Casa da Ribeira plays an important role in preserving and promoting these ancestral arts, where visitors can observe artisans at work.

Viseu Aerodrome

The Viseu Aerodrome (Gonçalves Lobato Aerodrome) has regular flights to and from Bragança, Vila Real, Cascais near Lisbon, and Portimão in southern Portugal. It is located 7 km from the center of Viseu and has an asphalt runway measuring 1200 meters in length and 30 meters in width, certified by the National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC), allowing it to receive commercial flights and aeronautical operations. The aerodrome also houses a pilot training school (Aero Clube de Viseu).

Proverb of Viseu

“He who never visits Viseu, doesn’t know what he’s missing!”. This popular proverb originated in the city of Viseu and reflects the passion its inhabitants feel for this Portuguese locality. The City of Gardens or the Museum City excels in the art of hospitality and intense flavors in its gastronomy.

Quick Facts about Viseu

• Population of the region: Approximately 400,000 inhabitants.
• Population of the city of Viseu: Approximately 60,000 inhabitants.
• Area of the region: 507.10 km².
• Foundation: 1123.
• Region: Centro.
• Sub-Region: Dão-Lafões.
• District: Viseu.
• Former province: Beira Alta.
• Municipal Holiday: September 21st.