Arte Viana

Viana do Castelo


If Viana's Costume Museum leaves you lusting after your very own traditional Portuguese outfit, stroll a few blocks south to this main street boutique that sells a fabulous array of colourfully woven and embroidered dresses, scarves, slippers, handbags and jewellery. Even if you're not in the market to buy, the window displays alone are worth a look.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Viana do Castelo attractions

1. Museu do Traje

0.09 MILES

This attractive museum houses the traditional wear used for farming, fishing and seaweed harvesting in centuries past. You’ll see costumes worn during the…

2. Gil Eannes

0.12 MILES

Demanding attention on the waterfront near Largo 5 de Outubro is a pioneering naval hospital ship, the Gil Eannes (zheel yan-ish). Now restored, the ship…

3. Praça da República

0.12 MILES

This fine hub of seven narrow laneways is at the heart of the old town’s zone of mansions and monuments. An especially elegant example is the Chafariz, a…

4. Chafariz

0.14 MILES

A Renaissance fountain built in 1554. The fountain is topped with Manueline motifs of an armillary sphere and the cross of the Order of Christ.

5. Igreja Matriz

0.15 MILES

This elegant parish church – also known as the sé – dates from the 15th century, although it has since been through several reincarnations. Check out its…

6. Antigos Paços do Concelho

0.15 MILES

The fortresslike Antigos Paços do Concelho is the old town hall from the 16th century. It sometimes hosts contemporary art exhibitions.

8. Museu de Artes Decorativas

0.26 MILES

The 18th-century Palacete Barbosa Maciel bears witness to Viana’s affluent past. It houses this impressive collection of 17th- and 18th-century ceramics …