To the thousands of holidaymakers who visit Viana do Castelo each year, the Portuguese city is a treasure trove of medieval architecture fringed by wild Atlantic beaches. Situated at the mouth of the Lima River, close to the country’s north-western border with Spain, the port is also renowned for its vital role in the centuries-long campaign against Spanish occupation. Away from the gothic spires and ancient battlements, however, modern Portugal is hard at work.
Along with a smattering of other towns and cities, Viana do Castelo is the centre of Portugal’s most important industrial cluster since textile and footwear manufacturers began grouping around the northern towns of Felguiras, Santa Maria de Feira and the Vale do Ave area.
