Quinta do Tedo
We took a short detour and followed the narrow, twisty roadway along the Douro River to picturesque town of Pinhao. This is a quiet town that seems to only come alive when the river cruise ships come to port...otherwise you have the town to yourself!
Pinhao is know for it's ornately decorated train station. The exterior is adorned with intricate tile mosaics which illustrate many historical scenes of the Douro Valley
We continued our journey towards Viseu with a stop in Lamego. The town seems to have a unique combination of historical structures and new, very modern apartments and commercial buildings. In the historic center lies the baroque Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios. This structure includes an incredible granite staircase which is adorned with tiles, fountains, statues and small chapels which lead to a baroque style church with impressive views over the town.
We were then driven to Viseu which is in the center of Portugal. It was here that Viriato, a Lusitanian chieftain drove the Roman legions from the mountains that surround Viseu. the ancient cathedral, the old houses, the narrow streets and dorways with coats of arms cared in granite make up the ancient town of Viseu. This region is also know for it's Dao wines which we were able to sample in an 18th-century home that is now the Hotel Casa da Insua a short drive from the historic center of Viseu. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens and the interior space is much like a museum filled with original furniture and antiques from the original owners.
Wine tasting room (originally the Master's Kitchen)
Early century espresso machine
Original kitchen stove and oven
Ceiling murals in the Family Room
Breakfast room
We returned to our hotel the Casa da Se (located in historic downtown next to the Viseu Cathedral) to freshen up for dinner. We ran out of time to explore Viseu today..we will make sure we have time tomorrow!
View of the Cathedral from our hotel
