Location

GPS Coordinates: Latitude 40° 39' 30" N Longitude 7° 54' 44" W

Viseu is easily accessible by highway from Spain, from Portugal’s major cities and from the coast. Today a prosperous city, its charming and well-preserved historic centre reminds one of its millennia of history. The five star Hotel Palácio dos Melos, physically part of the city’s ancient history, enjoys a privileged location from which to explore this.

Small cobblestoned alleys lead to enchanting little hidden wonders, then open up on grand squares with magnificent mansions and palaces. The highlight is perhaps the impressive Adro da Sé Square, which houses not only the striking, shining white, Rococo Misericordia Church and the even more spectacular Cathedral but also, as the highest point in Viseu, affords vast views over the surrounding landscape. This all literally minutes away by foot from the Palácio dos Melos.

Viseu is also located in a fascinating region surrounded by mountains, the most famous being the Serra da Estrela, the highest in Portugal and even offering skiing in winter. In other seasons the natural park, with its aromatic plants and rugged landscape, is ideal for hiking and walking. The Dão region is also famous for its wines and following the Dão Wine Route is a great way to explore the estates and their special wines.