Porto
e Norte de Portugal
The natural
beauty of Portugal’s oldest region forms the backdrop for this proud
and traditional land.
The Douro river
is the longest in northern Portugal. It winds its sinuous way past
mountains and cliffs until it reaches the Atlantic near the city
of Porto.
Many dams have
been built to make the river navigable, which for the visitor means
that plenty of pleasure-boats depart from Porto. Between Mesão Frio
and Pinhão lies the stretch where the valley sides are lined with
terraced vineyards that produce the famous Port wine. But this region
is famous for other things besides the wine that is made nowhere
else in the world. Signs of prehistoric men are seen in the ancient
cave paintings in Vila Nova de Foz Côa. Elsewhere, medieval castles
and convents or Romanesque little churches dot the landscape. History,
too, is evoked by the manor houses, such as the Baroque mansion
at Mateus, near Vila Real, or in the great 17th century sanctuaries,
such as Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego, which plays such an
important role in people’s devotions. Everywhere people keep alive
traditions of dance and song (showing strong Celtic influence, as
in the Pauliteiros dance of Miranda) and in their secular festivals
and processions, which reveal how Christian rituals were grafted
onto a much older pagan heritage.
A paradise
of unspoiled natural resources, the region is a perfect place for
mountain trekking, canoeing or simply resting up in the spa towns
of Carvalhelhos, Chaves, and Pedras Salgadas. Vidago has a magnificent
park with swimming pools and a golf course.
Porto is without
doubt the main city in northern Portugal. It has an international
airport and all the charms of a riverside community. It also keeps
alive traditional values while pushing ahead with a dynamic, innovative
spirit in its commercial and industrial life.
Along
the coastline north of Porto runs the road linking Vila do Conde
to Valença. It takes visitors past beautiful beaches, summer resorts
and enchanting villages, such as Caminha and Vila Nova de Cerveira.
Inland, one must visit the huge national park area covering the
mountains of Peneda, Soajo and Gerês.
Three towns
that set the tone for this charming area of Portugal are Viana do
Castelo, lying upon the estuary of the Lima river; Braga, rich in
ecclesiastical history; and the medieval Guimarães. Mansions and
manorial houses in this region open their doors to bed and breakfast,
offering visitors a rare privileged glimpse of aristocratic Portuguese
traditions, combined with the best modern hospitality can offer.
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