Tips 1 - 7 of 7 Vila Real Things to Do
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Things To Do: Water on the square
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While in city centre, you may start your stroll through Vila Real in this square - it is decorated with a modern composition made of stone and water. The water has different effects which vary in height and also in frequency; also the wholes from which the water appears keep changing.
As we were traveling with small children, this was obviously a great must see for them, who entertained themselves for a while, while we, the grown ups, sat on a nearby terrace enjoying the sunny day over some drinks.
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 Visiting Vila Real? Read reviews about Vila Real Hotels Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
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Things To Do: Casa de Diogo Cão
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Legend says that the Portuguese sailor who “discovered” the mouth of Zaire in the 15th century, and also explored the West coast of Africa, was born in this medieval granite house. His name was Diogo Cão and the house is nowadays, obviously, named after him.
The North of Portugal and this particular area was the birthplace of prominent figures in the Portuguese Discoveries over-seas as is the case of Diogo Cão, born in Vila Real and Fernão de Magalhães (internationally known as Magellan) born in Sabrosa, a nearby village.
This house is situated on the square I described on the previous tip.
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Things To Do: Manor house
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Also on this same square we came across a beautiful manor house that seems to host some public service, although I didn’t find much info about it. As we visited on a Sunday it was closed and we could freely walk around and go up and down its main stairs.
On top of the main stairs there is a white marble piece on the wall, which is a tribute to the soldiers from this City and its surroundings who died in WWI.
Manor houses are quite frequent on the North of Portugal, and some of them are very well kept, being in same family over the centuries; some other host public services (Town Hall for instance), as is the case of this beautiful manor house.
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Things To Do: Cathedral
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The Church of São Domingos is a beautiful and interesting cathedral to visit. It was originally the church of the Dominican convent with the same name. Over the years it went through refurbishment and some new constructions, as was the case of the belfry added in the 18th century. In 1837 it burnt in a severe fire but it was rebuilt afterwards; in 1924 it was consecrated as the Se of Vila Real.
This Gothic church is situated in one of the main streets – Avenida Carvalho Araújo – which is large street that rises from the square I described on previous tips, and as most cathedrals in Portugal it is free of charge to visit.
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Things To Do: Casa de Mateus
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This is a beautiful palace situated about 3km off Vila Real. It is considered as one of the best examples of civilian Baroque architecture in Portugal. It was built in the 18th century. It is possible to visit the house and/or the magnificent gardens. To visit the gardens the entrance fee is 3.5 euros per person (May 2004) and to visit both the house and the gardens the entrance fee is 6 euros (May 2004).
Behind the house and gardens there are the vineyards and the fruit trees. Casa de Mateus is famous for its delicious jams and it was on this palace/farm that the also famous rosé wine – Mateus Rosé – was initially produced.
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Things To Do: Casa de Mateus - the manor house
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We didn’t have the chance to visit the house inside as we didn’t book in advance and that day some pupils from local schools were visiting. So they didn’t allow more visitors inside as there is a limited number of visitors.
The house nowadays is inhabited by the descendents of its first owner, so only a part of it is “visitable”. Although we weren’t allowed on the inside, we had the chance to take a good look at it on the outside. It is no doubt a wonderful building, considered as one of the best of its kind in Portugal (Baroque style). Seen from the façade, the house is imposing not only due to its architecture and decoration but also because it reflects on the pond situated in front.
Apart from the house, there is also a chapel that may be visited.
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Things To Do: Casa de Mateus - the gardens
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The gardens are magnificent!!! Sculpted bushes, flowered plants, well taken care off trees, … so many things to see and say!! Ponds, birds, clean paths, …
The most famous part of the gardens is the tunnel that is composed of bushes – the bushes have grown so big that there is a huge (and dark) path underneath. Seen from the outside it is so well cut that almost looks like it was artificially made. But while crossing on the inside you will be able to see the roots and that it is so real, … amazing!!
Apart from the bushes tunnel, all the gardens that surround the house are very pleasant. I’ve read that the actual display of the gardens no longer reflect its original ones; the gardens you may see nowadays were conceived in 1930/1940. Amongst the flower beds you may see some stone sculptures, such as figures or sun watches.
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 Comments for micas_pt about Vila Real | | | | |
BruceDunning Wed Aug 5, 2009 21:21 UTC
You took great pictures of the structures and rooftop decor. Thank you for the tour. | Pinat Tue Jun 30, 2009 18:16 UTC
I just clicked on this page of yours cuz I know the football team but now I more than that. Plus, I've seen fabulous pictures. The gardens of Casa Matheus is so charming. Cheers from Ankara, Pinar. | Trekki Sat Dec 3, 2005 19:06 UTC
Wonderful page !!! My parents will go on a Douro cruise next year october and will also make a stop in Villa Real - :-) Will show them your page so that they can already get excited about the beautiful region :-))) | vesna04 Sun Oct 2, 2005 16:34 UTC
Some scenes remind me of my town...lovely page and thanks:) |
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on Sep 23, 2004
