Viseu: Travel and tourism

Viseu has appropriately been called the «City of Green Pine», as it is surrounded by green pinewoods which seem to have a soothing influence over this lively regional capital.

It is also the home town of one of Portugal's greatest 16th-century artists: Grão Vasco (1475-1540), whose name has been given to a museum, an hotel and even a wine label. The museum, installed in the 16th century former bishop's palace, exhibits some of his masterpieces and paintings from his fellow artists of the Viseu school.

Visitors can also admire the 15th-century Porta do Soar de Cima, a remnant of the original walls, the graceful Rococo façade of the Miserichord Church (18th century) or the two-towered 17th-century cathedral.

The enthralling old town displays a labyrinth of narrow streets where one discovers Manueline windows, old tinsmiths and curious little shops.

Every Tuesday, the town becomes specially animated with the weekly market, but in September the fair goes on for a full month and attracts thousands of visitors.

The county is full of pictoresque villages, with small houses displaying characteristic wooden varandas and estates with fine manors.

Crafts include wicker basketry and bobbin-lace.

Viseu is known for having splendid restaurants, with traditional Portuguese dishes excelling in variety and abundance.