A PERFECT ENCOUNTER WITH NATURE AND HISTORY; AN EXUBERANT BEAUTY, IDYLLIC LANDSCAPES, A MULTITUDE OF MONUMENTS AND THERMAL SPAS, THESE ARE ALL PROMISES OF UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS IN LIFE.
Located on a fertile valley close to the Tâmega River and the administrative centre of the municipality with the same name, Chaves is about 39 miles away from Vila Real, the district’s capital; at north, it borders the Spanish province of Galiza, with the frontier standing 5 miles away.
Founded 2,000 years ago and denominated “Aquae Flaviae” by the Romans, it’s a thermal town of grandiose beauty, presenting many mesmerizing charms, witnesses of its famous past and of its identity growth, now standing as an invitation to discover and explore its origins. The imposing Trajano Bridge – roman’s architecture largest legacy – and the Medicinal Roman Spas, a treasure hidden for centuries, confirm the enormous relevance of this land and its thermal waters in the Roman culture and Empire.
The coloured suspended balconies on the narrow streets of its Historical Centre display a medieval ambiance that can almost still be felt. But there’s a lot more to discover, from the old Donjon Tower, to the Fortresses of St. Francis and St. Neutel, the Chaves’ Region Museum, the Military Museum, the Annex to the Railway Museum, to the more recent one, the Nadir Afonso Contemporary Art Museum, installed on a building projected by Architect Siza Vieira. Several religious temples of rare beauty are also a required visit – such as the Santa Maria Maior Church, the Misericórdia Church and the São João de Deus Church – as well as numerous small chapels and other sanctuaries erected around Chaves, attesting to its strong religious sentiment.
Camões Square
Donjon Tower
ISanta Maria Maior Church
Chaves is a town surrounded by a natural ambiance, of exuberant nooks and wide panoramic views. The authenticity of its people, its great wines and even better cuisine have transformed this town into an oasis of tranquillity, that challenges the senses and entices new experiences, to be enjoyed as a couple or with the entire family. The Tâmega riverfront is accessible on foot or by bicycle, and stands as the perfect place to appreciate the diversity of the local fauna and flora; the longest Portuguese road, the EN2 (National Road), starts here, posing as an invitation for a road trip adventure. Finally, as an afternoon self-reward, take a stroll through the town’s gardens and contemplate the fascinating sunset over the Poldras in the Tâmega river.
A tour along the secure network of official trails allows for a better understanding of the connection that developed between nature and history; it is then possible to see the links joining the people with their surroundings, as well as the relationships established with the land and the water, determinant factors in the development of the territory, its identity and the perseverance of its people. Embark on a spiritual trip as you participate in the big, annual pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of St. Caetano; pass by the St. Lourenço panoramic viewpoint and admire the entire Chaves valley, before immersing in a profoundly rural landscape, as you explore the hamlet of Casas Novas.
Within this same majestic and imponent region emerge the internationally renowned thermal water springs of Caldas de Chaves, Vidago and Campilho, used since roman times for their medical qualities.
Caldas de Chaves
Vidago Palace
The Flavours of Chaves, inherited through past generations, are a constant challenge to one’s olfactive and flavoury senses. Unique and inimitable, the local dishes are gastronomic experiences to be later recalled: the famous Chaves Pie – the municipality’s highest symbol in pastry – the even-more famous ham (presunto), the corn served with the best charcuterie cuts, the stew from Trás-os-Montes, the roasted milk-fed lamb, the posta barrosã (roast beef) and the smokehouse rice; there’s also good honey, olive oil, chestnuts and excellent wines among the many delicious produce from Chaves, known for their unforgettable flavours and aroma.
Chaves Pies
Throughout the year, Nature, history and culture join efforts in several events that leave long lasting memories.
