The Museum of Vila Velha is a new cultural equipment of Vila Real, housed in a building designed by the architect António Belém Lima, and aims to make known the fruits of archaeological excavations in Vila Velha, allowing an increasingly profound knowledge of occupation of this territory. The visitor can contact closely with the results of the interventions, but also with associated archaeological practices. On the lower level, offers an area dedicated to temporary exhibitions, diverse themed. On the top floor, an area for holding exhibitions of average duration. There is also an auditorium with capacity for 60 people.

Built by João Santiago de Carvalho e Sousa at the end of the 19th century, it was designed by the Italian Nicola Bigaglia. In 1968, the Municipality of Matosinhos acquired the building and the surrounding garden and the space was adapted for the current Museum of Quinta de Santiago/ Centro de Arte de Matosinhos, opened in 1996. It is housed in a historic building, surrounded by a charming garden, and is a privileged witness to the profound urban and social transformations that took place in the city of Matosinhos-Leça at the end of the 19th century and throughout the 20th …

This space aims to maintain the initial collections, mostly of archaeology, even though it is currently more devoted to modern and contemporary Portuguese artworks, namely of painting and sculpture, including important artists such as António Carneiro and Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso.

Pleasant place where you can walk in the gardens of dense vegetation, as well as enjoy the views from the viewpoint. From this point, you can see not only the entire city, but also the river and the sea, in a single frame. Be sure to visit the Basilica of Santa Luzia.

It takes between six to seven minutes to climb a 160-meter gap. At 650 meters, it is the longest funicular route in the country.

Built on an escarpment above the Douro River, Serra do Pilar, and with Porto as a backdrop, the monument is a former convent of the Canons Regular of Santo Agostinho, founded in 1537. This work has undergone a significant number of transformations which completely modified the initial project, presenting a circular shape and being surrounded by a balcony and topped by a light lantern. The interior features 18th century carvings and sculptures and the upper part is of Baroque origin, being considered a unique example in Portugal due to the circular church and cloister.

It is believed that this place has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as indicated by numerous findings. The first fortification would date from the reign of Dom Afonso III, although the most likely date is from the 15th century. During the reign of King João II and/or King Manuel I, the medieval castle and the Torre da Roqueta were rebuilt. In 1700 and 1799, during the reign of Philip II, it underwent further repairs and reconstructions. Attesting to these works, a rococo royal coat of arms stands out over one of the main doors.

This is the first funicular of the Iberian Peninsula, built in 1882 by the Swiss engineer Nikolaus Riggenbach. This lift utilizes the water balance system, being one of only seven existing in Portugal and the oldest in the world. You can take advantage of to climb up to the sanctuary of Bom Jesus in this elevator, avoiding climbing its huge staircase.

The changes made by the architect Souto Moura at the former Alfândega (customs) building gave the place another aspect. This exhibition aims to allow the public to know, generally, the communication and transports contribute in these days. One of the big attractions of this museum is the permanent exhibition: “O automóvel no espaço e no tempo” (history of the car).