Borderlands: Northern Portugal and Galicia

The strategic location between the mouth of the Douro River and the Atlantic has inevitably marked the historical and cultural events of the nation's second largest city, a scenic location that has contributed to the tourist success of this corner of north-western Portugal. The light and reflections of sunsets, cobbled streets climbing hillsides lined with brightly coloured houses, azulejos embellishing the architecture of stations and streets in the city centre, the old meeting the modern thanks to the rich historical heritage recognised by UNESCO and the famous Porto School of Architecture that trained a generation of architects led by Pritzker Prize winner Álvaro Siza Vieira, designers of some of the city's most iconic modern buildings Six bridges connect the banks of the Douro River. On the right bank is the historic centre, a true treasure trove of beauty and heritage. The Sé, the monumental cathedral offering a marvellous view of the Ribeira below, the city's ancient and beating heart, picturesque corners and bars overlooking the river, the Sao Bento Station with its azuljeos, the Igreja de S. Francisco, a Gothic building with sumptuous Baroque interiors, the Palacio da Bolsa and the legendary Livraria Lello (Lello Bookshop). Moving towards the western districts, we reach Foz, a pleasant neighbourhood overlooking the ocean. The modern part of the city is enriched by the work of the architects of the Porto School of Architecture and its heirs: the De Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art and its gardens, the Casa da Música, the Art Nouveau buildings on Avenida dos Aliados, the shopping street, the Palácio de Cristal, with panoramic views of the river and the Soares dos Reis Museum, the Cordoaria garden-museum, the Torre dos Clérigos, a 76-metre high Baroque tower offering a splendid view of the city The left bank, which can be reached on foot from the Ribeira via the pedestrian footbridge of the D. Luís bridge, reserves new and exciting surprises. The Jardim do Morro, popular for watching the sunset and for the entrance to the cable car that descends to the wharves below, where the prestigious wine cellars of the renowned Douro Valley wine production are open for visits and tastings. .

Guimarães is rightly considered the cradle of the nation. It was here that Portugal's first king, Alfonso Henriques, was born and it was from here that the long road to independence began. The first capital of the kingdom during the Middle Ages, it boasts such a rich historical and architectural heritage that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. The must-sees: The Castle of Guimarães (reached via a long, steep climb), built in the 10th century, is one of the city's most iconic symbols; the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and its gardens, a magnificent Renaissance building that offers a glimpse of Portuguese aristocratic life in the 16th century. Also: the Convent of Santa Clara, in Baroque style; the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, dating back to the 14th century; the Padrao do Salado, a canopied sanctuary from the Gothic period; the Antigos Pacos do Concelho, the old town hall; and the Praca de Sao Tiago, framed by colourful and picturesque old buildings. .

Situated along the north-western coast of the country, where the Lima River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Viana do Castelo boasts a privileged location, characterised by beautiful golden sandy beaches (Costa Verde), majestic cliffs and breathtaking scenery. The heart of the city is its charming historical centre, characterised by narrow cobbled streets, colourful old buildings and picturesque squares. Here, you can find a rich historical and cultural heritage, with emblematic monuments and buildings, such as the Basilica of Santa Luzia, an imposing neo-Romanesque church located on a hill offering panoramic views of the city and the sea. The capital of Alto Minho is also renowned for its traditional handicrafts, in particular the production of hand-woven textiles, lace and embroidery, and for its gastronomy strongly linked to the ancient maritime tradition and cod fishing (Bacalhau).