This long square in the centre of the old town is somewhere you’ll returning, whether on a sightseeing tour or just to take the weight off for a few minutes  with a shot of coffee or cold beer.

It is totally pedestrianised, and has many centuries-old buildings.

You’ll be drawn towards the old city hall, built in the 16th century: This granite building has an arcade on its lower floor and is capped with merlons, while just above the central window is Viana do Castelo’s coat of arms.

A few steps back from the old city hall is the square’s wonderful Renaissance fountain, also made from granite in the 1550s.