Car Hire Vila Real

Vila Real is a city in Vila Real Municipality, Tras-os-Montes, in southern Portugal. According to the 2011 census, Vila Real had a total of 24.481 inhabitants. Vila Real shows traces of being inhabited since the Palaeolithic time. Later settlements, like Panoias, show Roman presence. However, with the barbaric and Islamic invasions, there was a decline of population. Vila Real is famous for the Sport Club Vila Real that was founded in 1920 and currently plays in the national III division. With restaurants, museums, and coffee shops, Vila Real is an ideal holiday destination for people in search of a quiet little town.

Top Attractions Within Vila Real

Solar de Mateus is a wonderful manor, located in Vila Real, built in the first half of the 18th century by Nicolau Nasoni. Tourists will notice the magnificent ceilings sculpted in wood in the large dining room and in the large salon, the richness of the library and some of the furniture. On the first floor, there is a museum with engraved coppers by Fragonard and baron Gerard, some precious fans, some objects of worship and liturgical garments.

Se is an old convent church erected at the end of the Gothic era, in Vila Real. The cathedral also has some Romanesque characteristics, most notably the craftsmanship of the capitals in the nave. The church is an amazing place that tourists must not miss.

Casa de Diogo Cao is the house of the famous navigator who was born in Vila Real. The facade of this house was reworked in the 16th century, in the Italian Renaissance Style. Here, tourists can get a glimpse of how the famous navigator lived.

Camara Municipal in Vila Real is another beautiful building located at the heart of the city. Built in the 19th century and preceded by a lantern pillory, the town hall is noteworthy for its monumental balustraded stone staircase in Italian Renaissance style. It is a wonderful place, that tourists must not miss.