Casa Melo Alvim The oldest urban mansion in Viana do Castelo was built in manueline style in 1509 by Pedro Pinto, brother-in-law of the Vianese navigator João Álvares Fagundes, discoverer of the Grand Banks off Newfoundland.
By the end of the century, Francisco Melo Alvim, the original owner's son-in-law, extended the building, doubling its size and adding the oriental crenellations which he had seen whilst travelling in the new lands found by the Portuguese navigators in the Far East.
It was further extended in the 17th and 19th centuries, and converted in 1997 into a modern hotel, retaining a wealth of original features, not least of which is the impressive Baroque staircase leading up from the entrance hall.
The public areas are comfortably furnished and create a calm and relaxed atmosphere to sit and read or to chat with friends.
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The oldest urban mansion in Viana do Castelo was built in manueline style in 1509 by Pedro Pinto, brother-in-law of the Vianese navigator João Álvares Fagundes, discoverer of the Grand Banks off Newfoundland.