Chaves brings together architectural and museum history with trails and landscapes. Its highlights range from a bridge in the city centre to a cross-border trail and a rural network of paths. When planning your trip, it is worth first deciding whether you are most interested in historic sites, museums, a particular route or nature.
Historic Sites and Museums
The Ponte Romana de Chaves stands over the River Tâmega in the city centre. The Romanesque church of Santa Maria Maior also tells a long history: it was probably built in the 12th century on foundations dating from the Visigothic period. The Pelourinho de Chaves is classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público. It symbolises judicial autonomy; after being dismantled in 1870, it was re-erected in 1910.
During the war with Castile that followed the proclamation of national independence, Chaves was the most important fortress in Trás-os-Montes. The defensive system was strengthened in the years that followed, up to 1668, with the construction of the Forte de São Neutel. The surviving remains of the medieval fortifications were probably built in the Gothic period, possibly in the 13th century. Together, these sites reveal different facets of historical development rather than a single phase of construction.
The collections at the Museu da Região Flaviense are primarily archaeological. Since 1978, the museum has been housed in the Paço dos Duques de Bragança and has preserved Chaves's historical heritage, helping to enhance its value. The Museu de Arte Contemporânea Nadir Afonso offers a different cultural focus: its building was constructed to a design by Álvaro de Siza Vieira. The museum is home to the foundation, whose mission is to promote and disseminate the work of Nadir Afonso. Its facilities also include an auditorium, a library, a shop and a bar.
Thermal Baths, Trails and Nature
The Termas Medicinais Romanas de Chaves are classified as a National Monument. The Termas de Chaves offer programmes that combine health, wellbeing and relaxation with nature. The thermal water emerges at the AC2 intake at a temperature of 76°C.
The Ecovia do Tâmega connects Chaves and Verín along the riverbank. It forms a cross-border ecological corridor, is almost flat and can be used on foot or by bicycle. The Ecovia Internacional do Tâmega e do Corgo is another named route: it is about 12 kilometres long, follows the former Corgo railway line and is suitable for walking and cycling. Some sections run alongside the Tâmega and offer beautiful scenery. Different features therefore matter when comparing the two: the Ecovia do Tâmega is notable for the connection between Chaves and Verín and its almost flat profile, while the Ecovia Internacional is distinguished by its approximate length and former railway line.
The Trilhos de visitação do Património natural e cultural de Chaves cover a different scale: they comprise 80 kilometres of rural trails along the Tâmega. Compared with the approximately 12-kilometre Ecovia Internacional, this makes clear the distinction between a single route and a network of trails. The Caminho Interior Português to Santiago de Compostela passes through Chaves and comes from the direction of Viseu. The Roteiro Camoniano leads to the house traditionally regarded as a possible birthplace of Luís Vaz de Camões, as well as to other places associated with him. Kilometre 0 of the Estrada Nacional 2, or EN2, is another notable landmark: it is located at the roundabout in Jardim Público de Chaves.
Landscape and Local Specialities
The Tâmega lagoons lie nearby. They were created artificially through sand extraction and serve as a bird sanctuary, as well as a resting and breeding ground for some migratory bird species. This is a distinct natural attraction alongside the river trails. In Vilas de Nantes, in the municipality of Chaves, artisans make pottery from black clay. Vilas de Nantes is one of four places in Portugal where this pottery is produced. Chaves also has a well-known culinary speciality: Pastéis de Chaves are among the foods the town is known for.
If you are looking for a holiday rental for your stay in Chaves, start by considering what interests you most: architectural and museum history, thermal programmes, walking and cycling trails, or nature can all inspire different trip ideas.
Discover more destinations: Bustelo, Vila Pouca De Aguiar, Ribeira De Pena, Mondim De Basto, Provesende, Alijó, Oura, Murça.
For the broader travel overview: Vila Real.
