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About Viseu

Viseu is a place rich in history, culture and natural beauty. It is a city located in the heart of Portugal that combines the charm of a historical heritage with the presence of a modern community. With a welcoming population and diverse options of activities, Viseu is the perfect destination for residents, entrepreneurs who want to implement their business here and tourists.

It is recognised as the City of Viriato due to the imposing fortification, Cava de Viriato, linked to the fights between the Lusitanian leader Viriato and the Roman army, which led to the establishment of a link between Viriato and Viseu, acclaimed in the monument to Viriato, sculpted by Mariano Benlliure.

It has held the title of Garden City for over 80 years, due to the improvements implemented in the city’s public spaces since the 1920s and 1930s. The Fontelo Park and the Cava de Viriato, true forest areas were and still are in conjunction with several gardens and with the crescent number of trees around the urban streets.

Viseu is also the capital of the Dão lands, one of the most distinctive wine regions of Portugal and even of Europe, presenting characteristics similar to the emblematic French wine regions.

Founded over 2000 years ago, Viseu proudly safeguards its historical legacy.
Visit this true treasure of Portugal, where every corner reveals a fascinating story and where you can enjoy a unique gastronomy in the city’s various restaurants, not forgetting the meeting point, Forum Viseu.

Surrounding areas

Near Viseu there are several emblematic and historical places to visit, such as Penedono – a historical village with its well preserved castle, Aldeia da Pena – an interesting schist village with a beautiful landscape and natural beauty, Linhares da Beira – an authentic museum where you can walk in the open air in the middle of Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Mangualde, where you can visit the magnificent Palace of the Counts of Anadia, an 18th century palace surrounded by beautiful gardens, among many other places.

Viseu is also known for its vineyards in the prestigious Dão region, where excellent, award-winning wines are produced. Exploring the vineyards is a unique experience, where you can visit renowned wineries such as Casa da Ínsua or Quinta de Lemos. Besides learning about wine production, you can enjoy tastings and learn more about the rich wine tradition of the region.

Another nearby attraction is Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain in mainland Portugal. Take the opportunity to go on nature walks, enjoy the snow and the lakes and visit the Torre, the peak of the mountain.

In case you have arrived at Porto Airport, we advise you to visit Viseu which is about 1h00 away and where you will have an experience that will live in your memories, we promise!

Close to Forum Viseu you will find the Grão Vasco Pharmacy, the Viseu Bus Station, the Ribeira Garden, the College of Education, all within walking distance, and the São Teotónio Hospital (CH – Tondela Viseu), about 5 minutes away by car.

Near Viseu there are several emblematic and historical places to visit, such as Penedono – a historical village with its well preserved castle, Aldeia da Pena – an interesting schist village with a beautiful landscape and natural beauty, Linhares da Beira – an authentic museum where you can walk in the open air in the middle of Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Mangualde, where you can visit the magnificent Palace of the Counts of Anadia, an 18th century palace surrounded by beautiful gardens, among many other places.

Viseu is also known for its vineyards in the prestigious Dão region, where excellent, award-winning wines are produced. Exploring the vineyards is a unique experience, where you can visit renowned wineries such as Casa da Ínsua or Quinta de Lemos. Besides learning about wine production, you can enjoy tastings and learn more about the rich wine tradition of the region.

Another nearby attraction is Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain in mainland Portugal. Take the opportunity to go on nature walks, enjoy the snow and the lakes and visit the Torre, the peak of the mountain.

In case you have arrived at Porto Airport, we advise you to visit Viseu which is about 1h00 away and where you will have an experience that will live in your memories, we promise!

Close to Forum Viseu you will find the Grão Vasco Pharmacy, the Viseu Bus Station, the Ribeira Garden, the College of Education, all within walking distance, and the São Teotónio Hospital (CH – Tondela Viseu), about 5 minutes away by car.

Things to see

In the historic center you will find narrow streets, old houses and well-preserved historical buildings linked to a traditional architectural style.

In Praça da República, you can visit the Town Hall and the old Misericórdia building, which are true works of architecture. Explore Rua Direita, one of the best known streets of the city, with the presence of traditional shops, restaurants with delicious typical dishes and pastry shops with irresistible flavors.

The Viseu Cathedral is noteworthy for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture. When exploring its interior, you will be amazed, and you can reach the top of the tower to enjoy a panoramic view of Viseu.

Next to the cathedral is the Grão Vasco Museum, which houses a collection of sacred art and Renaissance paintings. You can appreciate works by renowned artists, such as the famous Grão Vasco, and immerse yourself in the rich artistic history of the region.

Still close to Forum Viseu, you will find the Fontelo Park and Forest, a true leisure space, combining the natural and historical heritage with the gardens, parks and forest, as well as the various sports facilities.

Closer still, you can find the Aquilino Ribeiro Park, better known as “Parque da Cidade” which is an attractive public park offering manicured gardens, serene lakes and a wide and breathtaking view of the city. It is the perfect place to relax, have a picnic or simply enjoy nature.

You cannot miss the Linen Museum, Casa da Ribeira and the Quartz Museum, spaces evocative of memories, traditions and culture of Viseu.
Viseu also has events and festivities, so there will be no shortage of entertainment!

If you have just arrived in Viseu and would like to have a personalized itinerary, there is also that possibility. Spend the best moments with your family or friends in the environments you like the most! See all the opportunities here.

In the historic center you will find narrow streets, old houses and well-preserved historical buildings linked to a traditional architectural style.

In Praça da República, you can visit the Town Hall and the old Misericórdia building, which are true works of architecture. Explore Rua Direita, one of the best known streets of the city, with the presence of traditional shops, restaurants with delicious typical dishes and pastry shops with irresistible flavors.

The Viseu Cathedral is noteworthy for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture. When exploring its interior, you will be amazed, and you can reach the top of the tower to enjoy a panoramic view of Viseu.

Next to the cathedral is the Grão Vasco Museum, which houses a collection of sacred art and Renaissance paintings. You can appreciate works by renowned artists, such as the famous Grão Vasco, and immerse yourself in the rich artistic history of the region.

Still close to Forum Viseu, you will find the Fontelo Park and Forest, a true leisure space, combining the natural and historical heritage with the gardens, parks and forest, as well as the various sports facilities.

Closer still, you can find the Aquilino Ribeiro Park, better known as “Parque da Cidade” which is an attractive public park offering manicured gardens, serene lakes and a wide and breathtaking view of the city. It is the perfect place to relax, have a picnic or simply enjoy nature.

You cannot miss the Linen Museum, Casa da Ribeira and the Quartz Museum, spaces evocative of memories, traditions and culture of Viseu.
Viseu also has events and festivities, so there will be no shortage of entertainment!

If you have just arrived in Viseu and would like to have a personalized itinerary, there is also that possibility. Spend the best moments with your family or friends in the environments you like the most! See all the opportunities here.

Useful information and contacts

Municipality of Viseu

(+351) 232 427 427

São Teotónio Hospital - CH | Tondela - Viseu

(+351) 232 420 500

Viseu Municipal Police

(+351) 232 418 991

Municipal Fire Brigade of Viseu

(+351) 232 420 390

Volunteer Fire Brigade of Viseu

(+351) 232 422 047 / 232 436 812

Taxis

(+351) 232 425 444

Trucking Centre

(+351) 232 427 493

Tourism Office

(+351) 232 420 950

Emergency

112

Red Cross

232 425 566 | 232 422 018

National Guard

232 467 956 | 232 436 637

National Civil Protection Service

232 422 076

Police

232 480 380