Viseu

One of Portugal's most impressive squares is Viseu's Largo da Sé. bound by three imposing edifices: the cathedral, the palace housing the Museu de Grão Vasco, and the palacelike Igreja da Misericórdia. Another sight not to miss is the tree-lined Praça da República, framed at one end by a massive azulejo mural depicting scenes of country life. The heroic figure in bronze, standing sword in hand, is Prince Henry the Navigator, the first duke of Viseu.

A thriving provincial capital in the Dão region (one of Portugal's prime wine-growing districts), Viseu has remained the feel of a country town in spite of its obvious prosperity.