Viseu is a medieval city with a proud winemaking heritage. Ancient stone walls surround the hilltop Old Town, where you can discover a maze of cobbled alleyways and sun-drenched plazas. Visit a fantastic art museum, admire a centuries-old cathedral and sip full-bodied reds at rustic wine bars.
Things to do in Viseu
Enter the Old Town through Porta do Soar, an impressive 15th-century gate built into the city walls. Inside is a labyrinth of narrow alleys lined with centuries-old houses built of grey stone and granite. Catedral de Viseu soars over the Old Town and combines architectural styles from throughout the centuries, including Renaissance arches and a vaulted Manueline ceiling. Look closely to see the incredible attention to detail in the “azulejo” hand-painted tiles that decorate the interior.
Admire Renaissance masterpieces at Museu Grão Vasco. The collection is housed in a historic palace and showcases works by iconic Portuguese painter, Grão Vasco. You’ll also see works by luminaries like Gaspar Vaz and José de Almeida Furtado. Centuries later, the vibrant colours and expressive techniques used by Grão Vasco and his associates are just as impressive.
Viseu is a gateway to the Dão winemaking region. Surrounded by mountains, it’s one of the oldest and most prestigious winemaking regions in Portugal. Join a guided tour to visit boutique estates and learn about the centuries-old art of winemaking in the Dão region. You can also sample complex, full-bodied Dão wines at local wine bars. The best establishments feature stone walls, rustic décor and extensive wine lists.
Stroll along tree-lined paths in Parque do Fontelo. The 10-hectare park is set just outside the city walls and is home to a family of wild peacocks. Enjoy a sun-dappled picnic on the grass and sip espresso by the emerald-green duck pond.
Getting around Viseu
Viseu is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The city is in the Centro Region of Portugal, a 1.5-hour drive from Porto and 2.5 hours by train and bus. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto is a two-hour drive away.