Northern Portugal
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums

On top of a small hill with views over the Ave River valley is a large stone-walled Iron Age settlement; one of the most important prehistoric sites in Portugal. The hill-top town is surrounded by three dry-stone walls up to 3 m thick. Within the ramparts, paved roads roughly laid out in a grid pattern divide up blocks of stone walled structures that archaeologists believe formed the focus of individual family units. There is debate whether or not the urbanised nature of the settlement has been influenced by Romans.

During the construction of a dam on the Côa River at the end of the 1980s rocks engraved with Palaeolithic imagery were discovered. A new government elected in 1995 stopped the construction of the dam and an archaeological park was established in 1996. Today there are over 70 known locations with some 1,000 engraved rocks and over 5,000 depictions, dating to the Upper Palaeolithic, Iron Age and historic periods. Guided tours to selected rock art sites are arranged by the museum or designated tour guides.

From Roman Portus Cale to the founding of Portugal in the 12th, Porto has played a significant role in the history of the country. Graceful bridges and diverse architecture, from historic churches to modern museums, many decorated with exquisite blue azulejos tiles, it is not surprising that the historic city is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. And for a taste of tradition, sample the port wine at local cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.

On one of the higher points within the city of Braga are the extensive archaeological remains of a large, civic complex, the oldest sections of which date back to the 1st century BC. Although only partially excavated, the complex is thought to have included the public baths and theatre for the Roman civitas of Bracara Augusta then the capital of the Roman province of Gallaecia. Parts of the public baths have been covered with a protective shelter, with walk ways that allow visitors to walk above the ruins.

Built towards the end of the 1st century AD and the beginning of the 2nd century AD, the bridge crossing the Tâmega River in the town of Chaves in far northern Portugal is named after the Roman Emperor Trajan, known locally then as the Ponte de Trajano. Still in very good shape, the bridge is 140 m long and has 12 arches – earliest drawings of the bridge show 14. Despite being restored over the years, two of the columns are original and have inscriptions detailing honours bestowed on locals by the Emperor.