Portugal is a country that offers a lot to those who decide to visit it. Both its coast and its interior offer us incredible places, charming cities, small towns and coasts with amazing and beautiful beaches. On this occasion we refer to the northern area of Portugal, a place where we can see many places of interest. Although the south of Portugal is very touristy, the north has nothing to envy.
Let's see the most interesting places when visiting the north of Portugal, those areas that we cannot miss. If we are going to travel the north of Portugal we have many places to stop, from towns with history to cities that offer us all the bohemian charm of Portugal.
Monumental city of Braga
Founded by Romans and religious center in the Middle Ages, This city in Portugal is not very well known, but it has very interesting places. Its cathedral is the oldest in Portugal and in it you can see various styles, from the Manueline to the Gothic or Baroque. Another religious visit is the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, with its spectacular stairs. Just five kilometers from the historic center, it is a visit that is well worth it. In the historic center we can see the Santa Bárbara Garden, the Arco da Porta Nova, where there was an old medieval door, or see the Republic Square.
Guimaraes medieval city
This small town of medieval charm It is another of the essential visits in the north of Portugal. Guimaraes Castle from the XNUMXth century is located on a hill and it is possible to climb the Torre del Homenaje to enjoy the views. The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza is another of its essentials, built in the XNUMXth century. On the other hand, you can go up to the Santuario da Penha by funicular, a pilgrimage center that offers spectacular views.
Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo is very close to the border with Galicia. It is a small city that offers us the amazing Sanctuary of Santa Luzia in a very high area, with amazing views of the coast, the beach and the city. If we are in the center we can take a funicular to the sanctuary, but you can also go up by car. In the city we can see the famous ship Gil Eames, which was used as a hospital ship for a long time.
The fortress in Valença do Minho
The first thing that gives us the welcome to the north of Portugal is Valença do Minho, a very visited place for its splendid fortress and for its market, which takes place on Wednesdays of each month. It has a plant formed by two estates with another walled area and a moat. This city also has an important religious architecture with places such as the Matriz de Santa Maria dos Anjos and the Military Chapel of Buen Jesús.
The charm of Porto
Another place that we could not leave behind is the charming city of Porto, a place that has a bohemian touch that is hard to forget. You have important visits but you should also walk aimlessly through its streets and discover those old houses, some abandoned, with their tiled facades. In the city you have the banks of the Duero, an area to walk and to catch a ticket to go on the boats that cross the river showing us the city from the water. On the other hand, you have to see points like the Lello bookstore, with its incredible stairs, the old cathedral known as the Se, with a cloister with beautiful tiles. If you like these Portuguese tiles, you cannot miss the Sao Bento station, since you can see them at its entrance. The Mercado do Bolhao is the place to buy typical products and if you go to Vilanova de Gaia you can visit the famous port wine cellars.