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Square · Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo
Praça da República
Central square of Viana do Castelo, with the 1554 Renaissance fountain, the Misericórdia building with caryatids, and the old paços do concelho with Gothic arcades.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Praça da República
Praça da República is the center of the old town of Viana do Castelo and brings together three of its best-known buildings. In the middle stands the granite Renaissance fountain, made in the mid-16th century by master stonemason João Lopes, o Velho, with two superimposed basins and, on top, the armillary sphere and the cross of Christ, symbols of the reign of D. Manuel I.
On one side of the square are the old paços do concelho, from the 16th century, with arcades on the ground floor and battlements above. For centuries they were the seat of the town council.
On the other side is the Misericórdia building, from 1589, with a three-storey façade of balconies supported by caryatids and atlantes, figures carved in stone, a rare example of Mannerist style in northern Portugal. Next to it, the igreja da Misericórdia has an interior covered in azulejos and 18th-century gilt woodwork.
The Museu do Traje is also located in the square, in the former Banco de Portugal building. Narrow streets around it lead to the Sé and to the bank of the rio Lima.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour, including the Igreja da Misericórdia.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon. In August, during the romaria da Senhora da Agonia, the square is at the center of the festivities.
How to get there
It is in the historic center, about a 5-minute walk from the train station.
Tip
Go into the Igreja da Misericórdia, next to the caryatids building: the azulejo tiles cover the walls from top to bottom.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Praça da República
What to see in Praça da República in Viana do Castelo?
The Renaissance fountain, the Misericórdia building with its caryatids, the old paços do concelho (town hall) and the Museu do Traje.
When does the square's fountain date from?
From the mid-16th century, the work of master stonemason João Lopes, the Elder.
What are the figures on the Misericórdia façade?
Caryatids and atlantes — sculpted stone figures that support the balconies — on a 1589 façade.