The Portuguese town of Vila Real sits in between the two rivers of Corgo and Cabril. The region is mostly Catholic, with the municipality nesting around 30 parishes. Tourists visit Vila Real to catch a glimpse of early aristocratic Portuguese life.

Among the most elegant highlights of the vicinity is the baroque Mateus Palace. This is famously described by a travel critic as Portugal’s finest country house. The property was built in 1745 featuring an impressive façade of graceful pinnacles and illustrious stairways. The palace also sits in front of a large pond which reflects its majesty. A mazelike and finely tended garden can be found in the palace’s backyard. The garden of the Mateus Palace is among the most beautiful gardens in all of Europe.

The town proper of Vila Real enjoys its fair share of architectural monuments. Vila Real’s cathedral, for example, dates back to the 15th century. This was a Dominican monastery with a simple exterior. On the other hand, Vila Real’s finest cathedral, the Sao Pedro Church, is more intricately designed. Its ceiling is trimmed with carved and gilded wood, while its chancel is decorated with colourful tiles.

Visitors can travel through the streets of Vila Real with ease. The town may be home to a lot of ancient buildings, but it has also undergone drastic urbanization through the years. An iron bridge which links the old town with the new one crosses the wide river of Corgo to help transport students and residents everyday.

Vila Real’s town university is renowned for its impressive programs on forestry and wine manufacturing. This is a reflection of the town’s most thriving industries. Vila real also enjoys warm weather throughout the year. Visitors from the colder parts of Europe are drawn to Vila Real’s warm climate and rich culture.