Viana do Castelo at our feet

Happy Birthday to You,
Happy Birthday to You!!!!

Viana was the place where I decided to celebrate my birthday. After all, it's not every day we celebrate our day, right?!!

I've always really liked Viana do Castelo. I find the city approach and entrance super beautiful. Pass the imposing bridge over the Lima River and we can see, high above, the hill of Santa Luzia. Beautiful...
It's one of those cities that make us feel good and smile! After all the motto says "Viana is Love".

I've chosen Pousada Viana do Castelo! And what a beautiful choice it was! :-)

Right at the entrance we can see what makes it so special... the view... mesmerizing, over the Santa Luzia Sanctuary and city.

Just out of curiosity, this historic hotel is the result of an excellent restoration of a hotel built by a Portuguese emigrant in Brazil, who decided to offer it to the city of Viana.

Our room was very cozy, the décor pleased us immensely and of course... that view. Staying here and not having a room facing the sanctuary was a crime ahahahah

If the view was wonderful when we arrived, more special was when we woke up the next day and opened the curtain. It was my birthday and I was blessed with this unique and magical view!
When dawn came the city was surrounded in a heavy fog, breathtaking... how grateful I am!

The hotel's dining room and living room are both gorgeous, with a very warm chic décor and flooded with light.

Nothing better than waking up in a wonderful place like this and having a delicious breakfast with this superb view!

The day was sunny, simply perfect and we've made the most out of it... we really seized and enjoyed the day...

We took a dip in the swimming pool located at the top of the hill and took advantage to energize while increasing our vitamin D levels heheheh.

The pousada has a private access, through its gardens, to the Sanctuary, definitely not to be missed at all!!! Lush and green!

Another possibility for those coming from the city is to climb the mount using the old funicular, a very traditional and unique experience!

The sanctuary is dedicated to Saint Lucia of Syracuse, better known as Saint Luzia, patron saint of those with vision problems and ophthalmologists.

The sanctuary is due to the cavalry captain Luís de Andrade e Sousa who, due to a serious vision problem, resorts to the extinct chapel of Santa Luzia. After his prayers and improvement, and as a form of gratitude he has built, to glorify the saint, this beautiful sanctuary, whose panoramic views of the hill, the city, the river and sea has already been considered by the National Geographic to be the third best in the world!

Viana do Castelo is a city that is really worth visiting and for those who do not know it yet, please do not forget to also check out the filigree shops, there is a strong tradition here. Filigree is an antique art of jewelery in which thin wires, usually gold, are welded together to draw patterns and create a beautiful piece, like the "Heart of Viana".

It is also worth seeing the traditional costumes of Viana. Whoever can, here's the tip, try and go to the Costume Museum.

In Viana it's really worth getting lost in the streets, alleys and gardens of this beautiful city! The Historical Center, one of the most beautiful and preserved in Portugal, with its 16th century fountain and its monuments are a must visit. Álvaro Siza Vieira Municipal Library and Souto Moura Cultural Center are examples of modern architecture combined with culture. Santiago da Barra Castle, the imposing Eiffel Bridge, the Church of Santa Agonia, the Gil Eannes Hospital Ship are also must-see landmarks. If you have more time and the weather permits, be sure to relax on the river beaches along the Lima River and the wonderful Atlantic beaches such as Praia Norte, Carreço Beach, Cabedelo Beach, or further north the Afife Beach, Vila Praia de Âncora Beach and Moledo Beach.

All I can say is that I'm truly grateful for this wonderful day.

Time to go home... Viana... see you soon!

Ps: here is a very important recommendation! Do not leave Viana without eating and enjoying a "bola de berlim" at Natário, a typical and super delicious portuguese Berliner doughnut filled with a special custard (have a look a what "The Guardian" says about it).

How to get to Viana

By car is undoubtedly the best way to get to Viana, and the fastest is to take the highway A28 from Porto (50min with tolls or 1h20 avoiding tolls). Another possibility is to travel by train by CP (IR or Celta) from Porto-Campanhã or by bus (for example by AV Minho or Rede Expressos).