Located on a plateau overlooking the Corgo River, Vila Real is a historic town in the hilly landscapes of northern Portugal. It was established in the 13th century by royal decree and grew steadily due to its location on the road connecting Porto and Bragança. Vila Real is home to the University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro, which is renowned for its botanical garden.
Things to do in Vila Real
In the heart of Vila Real is the Igreja de São Pedro, a 17th-century church that combines Mannerist, Baroque and Rococo architectural styles. It’s a short walk from the Museu de Arqueologia e Numismática de Vila Real, where coins and archaeological findings are displayed. In addition to Roman, Carthaginian and Byzantine coins, paintings by Trindade Chagas and Heitor Cramez are exhibited.
On the outskirts of Vila Real is Mateus Palace, a lavish estate designed with the help of Nicolau Nasoni, a leading proponent of the Portuguese Baroque style. Join a guided tour to explore its richly furnished interior, which features carved chestnut ceilings and 17th-century antiques. In the magnificent gardens, you’ll find meticulously clipped box hedges and a sculpture by João Cutileiro.
Continue driving south-east and you’ll arrive at the Santuario de Panoias, a Roman religious site dating back to the 2nd century AD. It features three large rocks, a staircase and purifying pools, as well as several inscriptions. Visit the interpretation centre to learn about the rituals that were carried out here before touring the site with the help of an audio guide.
Getting around Vila Real
Vila Real is around an hour’s drive from Porto and Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular buses connect to Vila Real and the town is small enough to explore on foot.