Viseu

Cloister Viseu Cathedral, detail - Viseu, photo by António Saccehetti

Its name is apparently derived from the Roman word "viso", meaning a good view, and indeed Viseu does offer some pretty spectacular views of the surrounding region. Sitting atop its highest point, the cathedral is a dominating feature of this charming town. Furthermore, the town is considered a somewhat arty one as its Grão Vasco Museum houses the works of one of the most important Portuguese artists, Grão Vasco. Born in the town in the 16th century, he founded a well known school of painting there. The Misericórdia church is also found in Viseu and a magnificent building worth stopping for.

Perhaps most notably, Viseu is famous for the area of serene landscape that surrounds it. Part of this is the Cava do Viriato which is a large pentagonal shaped park close by where once there was a Lusitanian-Roman army camp, the remains of which have been partially recovered and can still be seen. These ruins are believed to have been a fortress that Viriathus, the Lusitanian leader who supposedly fought heroically against a Roman invasion there in the 2nd century BC, used to shield himself from the attacks.

Weather  Viseu is half way between the Spanish border and the Atlantic Oceon. It is also surrounded by a number of mountains, which, come winter are covered in layers of snow. There is also a network of rivers and streams in Viseu.

Owing to its position, the county has several micro climates, characterized by dry, hot summers and rigorous wet winters. So, if you are planning a trip and want guaranteed good weather Viseu is best visited in July and August