Viseu

Viseu is the lively and charming capital of the Beira Alta, the centre of the Dão wine-growing region and also surrounded by fine wooded sceneries.
The old town has interesting monuments, like the cathedral and the museum of Grão Vasco, a famous 16th-century artist. In August and September it holds an animated agricultural fair, but all year round you can eat very well in its regional restaurants.

In the same district, Sernancelhe attracts by its small whitewashed houses in a granite moulding and romanesque church with also granite statues.

To the northeast, the medieval castle of Penedono, built on rocks, is an interesting site. To the north, Lamego, lying in a fertile region, is known for its sparkling wine (Raposeira), fruit and hams.

In early September, there is a popular fair, as pilgrims arrive to visit the small hilltop chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, after climbing an enormous double stairway, with 686 steps and nine sculptured terraces. Nearby, the chapel of São Pedro de Balsemão is considered the country's oldest church, dating from the 7th century.

Vouzela’s Mother-Church (Vouzela)
This small church is located on a pleasant place, on the base of Our Lady of the Castle hill. It’s one of the Beira Alta temples that still maintain the medieval architectonic structure.
Considered national monument, the Vouzela’s Mother Church concentrates several elements of extreme beauty that make a visit more than worthwhile.

Our Lady of Purification convent (Moimenta da Beira)
The convent, with the façade turned towards a wide square, is located inside an urbane atmosphere. Over the high choir’s bars one can admire a beautiful tiles panel.

S. Pedro do Sul Spa (S. Pedro do Sul)
This spa remounts to the Roman period that, in that time, already knew the healing properties of the water. The Thermal Centre of São Pedro do Sul is opened all year with different working hours adapted to the seasons and the clients needs.

Arnas’s Church (Sernancelhe)
This church from the 17th century, dedicated to Our Lady of Conceição, was built in slightly golden granite. In this church are to point out, for their extreme beauty, the altars and the nave roof, where there’s a huge painting of the patron saint. In this painting there’s an interesting iconography where a dragon gets hurt by a fire ray thrown by a children.

Sernancelhe’s Church (Sernancelhe)
Its description is almost impossible, due to multiplicity of its elements. From the belfry, to the carved altars and the 15th century tomb, this church is filled with real masterpieces that, by themselves, make a visit worthwhile.