Chaves: Roman Heritage, River Routes and Culture

In the centre of Chaves, the Ponte Romana spans the Tâmega River. Together with the thermal baths, historic buildings and riverside paths, it shows how closely the city’s history and landscape are connected. When looking for a hotel, you can also first consider whether you want to explore historic Chaves above all, or devote more of your time to routes and nature.

Thermal Baths and Buildings from Different Eras

The Termas Medicinais Romanas de Chaves is classified as a National Monument. At the Termas de Chaves, programmes combine health, wellbeing and relaxation with nature. The thermal water emerges at the AC2 source at a temperature of 76°C. Thermal attractions are therefore one of Chaves’ distinctive features, alongside the evidence of its architectural and urban history.

The Ponte Romana stands above the Tâmega in the city centre. The Pelourinho de Chaves, classified as a Property of Public Interest, symbolises judicial autonomy. After being dismantled in 1870, it was re-erected in 1910. Santa Maria Maior also tells a story of a long architectural history: the Romanesque church was probably built in the 12th century on foundations dating from the Visigothic period.

Military history shapes another part of the picture. During the war with Castile following the proclamation of national independence, Chaves became the most important fortress in Trás-os-Montes. The defence system was strengthened in the following years with the construction of the Forte de São Neutel, completed by 1668. The surviving remains of the medieval fortifications were probably built in the Gothic period, possibly in the 13th century.

Museums, Literature and Local Traditions

The Museu da Região Flaviense preserves Chaves’ historical heritage and helps promote it. Its collections are mainly archaeological; since 1978, the museum has been housed in the Paço dos Duques de Bragança. The Museu de Arte Contemporânea Nadir Afonso offers a different focus: the building was constructed to a design by Álvaro de Siza Vieira and is home to the foundation that promotes and disseminates Nadir Afonso’s work. The museum also has an auditorium, a library, a shop and a bar.

The Roteiro Camoniano leads to the house where Luís Vaz de Camões is traditionally said to have been born, as well as to other places associated with him. This traditional account remains part of the route’s story. Another local speciality is the craft tradition: ceramics made from black clay are produced in Vilas de Nantes in the municipality of Chaves. It is one of four places in Portugal where this type of production takes place.

The local cuisine offers another point of interest. Pastéis de Chaves are among the culinary specialities for which the town is known. Together with the museums, historic buildings and ceramic tradition, they offer a cultural programme with a range of different focuses, rather than centring everything on a single era or theme.

Routes Along the Tâmega and Finding Your Way

The Ecovia do Tâmega links Chaves and Verín along the riverbank, forming a cross-border ecological corridor. The route is almost flat and can be explored on foot or by bike. Another route description concerns the Ecovia Internacional do Tâmega e do Corgo: this approximately 12-kilometre walking and cycling trail follows the former Corgo railway line. Some sections run alongside the Tâmega and offer beautiful scenery.

Distinct from these is the Trilhos de visitação do Património natural e cultural de Chaves trail network, which covers 80 kilometres of rural paths along the Tâmega. For orientation on Portugal’s Estrada Nacional 2, kilometre zero is also a notable reference point: it is located at the roundabout in Jardim Público de Chaves. The Caminho Interior Português to Santiago de Compostela also passes through Chaves, coming from the direction of Viseu.

The Tâmega lagoons lie nearby. Created artificially through sand extraction, they serve as a bird sanctuary and as a resting and breeding area for some migratory bird species. The surrounding area therefore centres on river routes and birdlife, while the buildings and museums offer a different way to experience your stay.

When planning, you can weigh these options against each other: the buildings and museums shape Chaves’ cultural appeal, while the routes described and the lagoons offer opportunities to explore nature and trails.

Discover more destinations: Bustelo, Santa Marta De Penaguião, Vila Pouca De Aguiar, Sabrosa, Oura, Mondim De Basto, Vales, Peso Da Régua

See the broader travel overview: Vila Real.