Situated at the converging point of the Corgo and Cabril rivers, the beautiful town of Vila Real is surrounding by undulating hills and vineyards. The provincial capital of Trás-os-Montes, it is home to an abundance of baroque architecture.
What else is notable about Vila Real is the large amount of stone coats of arms that decorate the facades of many of its buildings. The reason for this is that, although the common people of the town were given permission by the king to refuse hospitality to the nobility and knights seeking refuge in the town from the 13th century, many did not. From then until the 19th century, much of the countries nobility were welcomed into the town and their presence remains apparent to this day.
Mateus Palace, detail - Vila Real, photo by Nuno Calvet
The town is home to the medieval Vila Real, built by its residents in the 13th century, and boasts a lusciously green Municipal Park. From here one can head to the top of any of the surrounding mountains for stunning views and enchanting walks. But what is perhaps the biggest attraction of the area is the Mateus Palace that sits 2.5 miles east of the town. Built in 1745, it is considered a perfect example of baroque architecture and provides any visitor with a real sense of what the lives of the Portuguese upper classes must have been like in times gone by. It is a truly spectacular building with a magnificent façade and ornate detail of which guided tours are offered.
More information: visitportugal.com
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