scubish.com: Scuba diving Viana Do Castelo - Portugal

Viana Do Castelo is a town in Portugal, at the mouth of the Rio Lima. It has always had a history linked with the sea. It is recorded that its original name of "Calpe" was given to the town by Diomedes in 1156 BC. King Henriques Alfonso granted its Charter in 1253 in the name of Viana. In the 15th century a wave of Jews escaping persecution from the Spanish immigrated to and settled in the town. It may have been because of this that the many pirates roaming the coast often picked Viana to raid. In 1640 Dom António, the Prior of Crato, with a combined army from surrounding towns, defeated the Spanish occupiers. In 1848 town received its current name.

History

In the 15th century it gained importance as the one of the main ports from which Portuguese explorers set sail. From here embarked João Velho who was to chart the Congo, and João Álvares Fagundes who charted the rich fishing grounds off Newfoundland. An enterprising English community settled here prior to 1580 for the export of local wine. The Spanish invasion of that year drove them further south and it took until 1700 before they had re-established their original flourishing business. However, these traders had to move back to Porto due to the important growth in the Port wine trade.

Description

The city is still kept reasonably busy with its fishing industry and the new phenomena of tourism. A main feature of the City is the attractive main square that features both a 1553 water fountain and the Miseriacórdia house that was constructed in 1598. Close by is its 15th century Cathedral that has a fortress-like feeling and graced with Gothic carved relief's of the apostles. In the square of São Domingos is the 16th century church of the same name. The City Museum housed in a small Palace of Barbosa Maciel is also in the main square. It holds a variety of interesting fine items such as rare ceramics, furniture, paintings and archaeological finds from the area. In the northwest part of the City the 18th century Chapel Nossa Senhora da Agonia plays an important part in its annual celebrations. A three-day festival drawing thousands of visitors is held in August each year to honour this image. Located on the high hill of Monte Santa Luzia is the modern unattractive basilica that dominates over the City. From this point there are magnificent views of the surroundings whilst slightly hidden in a wood close by is the remains of a Celtic-Iberian settlement that has been reconstructed with many small huts and paved streets.

The town of Viana do Castelo is famous for its decorative filigree jewellery which reflects back to the time of Moor occupation. More recently in the 20th century the City made a successful income from their cod fishing fleet but with the decline in availability of this fish has resulted in a similar decline in the industry.

Nearby locations

A ferry or the bridge takes visitors across...