Top 4 Castles in Vila Real

Fort of São Francisco (The Main One) This is the fort that dominates the city skyline and where the statue of General Silveira is located. What it is today: It has been magnificently restored and operates as a 4-Star Hotel, but the historical area is open to visitors. Why visit: History: It was here that General Silveira besieged and defeated Napoleon's troops in 1809. Interior: You can enter (entry to the courtyard is free) and see the Church of São Francisco. Originally a convent, the church houses the tomb of the first Duke of Braganza. Views: The ramparts offer an incredible panoramic view over the city and the Tâmega River.

Visiting the Castle of Chaves is worth it because it is, quite literally, the high point of the city—both in altitude and in history. Although "only" the imposing Keep (Torre de Menagem) and parts of the walls remain from the original grand defensive system, a visit is a must for these 4 reasons: 1. The Best View in the City Climbing to the top of the Keep (about 28 meters high) offers an unmatched reward. The Panorama: From there, you have a 360º view over the old rooftops, the Tâmega River winding below, the Roman Bridge, and the Brunheiro and Larouco mountains in the distance. It is the best place to understand the city's geography. 2. The Military Museum (A Journey Across 4 Floors) The tower is not empty. The interior has been transformed into a very interesting Military Museum (and the ticket is almost symbolic, usually costing around €1). As you climb the stairs, you pass through four themed floors showing the evolution of weaponry, from the Middle Ages to World War I. It is fascinating to see armor, swords, and uniforms in an authentic stone setting, which helps you imagine the lives of the soldiers who defended the border there. 3. The Castle Garden The tower is surrounded by a beautifully kept garden, which functions as an open-air museum. It is a peaceful space, full of flowers, where you can see Roman and medieval archaeological pieces displayed on the lawns. It is the ideal spot for a break in the shade after walking through the city. 4. A History of Resistance This castle is a symbol of Portugal's independence. Given its proximity to Spain (only 10 km away), Chaves was always the "Key to the Kingdom." Visiting the castle means standing on ground where countless battles were fought to keep the border safe against Castilian and French invasions. The climb is done via stairs (there is no elevator), but the view from the top makes up for every step. Try to go near the end of the day, when the setting sun hits the stones of the tower and the city below, creating a spectacular golden color.

Very nice and not overcrowded. Parking is free too 😃

The somewhat gloomy interior of the Casa de Mateus can be visited as part of a guided tour.

The Mateuspalast is the namesake and shown on the labels of the Mateus Rosé bottled in Bocksbeutel, although it is not grown and sold by the royal family.

Really nice here, worth a visit.

Built in the first half of the 18th century to a design by Nicolau Nasoni, the Mateus Castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is part of a vast estate. It is considered one of the highlights of Baroque architecture in Portugal. The interior of the castle is notable for its richly carved wooden ceilings, as well as furniture from various periods, paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, silverware and ceramics.

The Mateus Palace is a secular building from the Baroque period with exuberant decorations. One wing is still inhabited by the descendants of the builder during the summer months. The other parts of the building can be visited as part of guided tours. The ceilings and doors carved from chestnut wood, carpets, furniture, porcelain and figures of saints are worth seeing. In the library you can see valuable books and printing plates illustrating the national epic from 1817. You should also definitely take a walk through the gardens and the orchard.