Chaves

Chaves Unmissables

Chaves preserves a deep historical legacy, from its origins as the Roman settlement of Aquae Flaviae to its role as a medieval stronghold. This selection features the iconic Trajan's Bridge and the ancient Roman dam of Abobeleira alongside the medieval Torre de Menagem. Religious heritage is represented by the Romanesque-style Igreja de Santa Maria Maior and Nossa Senhora da Azinheira, while the Siza Vieira-designed Nadir Afonso Museum highlights contemporary art. The city also marks the start of Portugal’s longest road, the EN2.

Roman Bridge of Chaves

Trajan's Bridge is a Roman bridge in the civil parish of Santa Maria Maior, in the municipality of Chaves in the Portuguese northern…

Torre de Menagem

This medieval keep is the primary remnant of Chaves Castle and houses a military museum. Its battlements offer panoramic views over the city and the Tâmega River.

Aquae Flaviae

Aquae Flaviae is the ancient Roman city and former bishopric of Chaves, a municipality in the Portuguese district of Vila Real.

Museum of Contemporary Arts Nadir Afonso

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, this museum displays the geometric works of Nadir Afonso. The building is elevated on pillars to accommodate the river's flood patterns.

Igreja de Santa Maria Maior

Also known as the Igreja Matriz, this granite parish church features Romanesque origins and Renaissance-era modifications, including a notable 16th-century portal.

EN 2 Km 0

This milestone marks the beginning of the Estrada Nacional 2, Portugal's longest highway, which runs 738 kilometers south to Faro.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Azinheira

A late Romanesque church located in Outeiro Seco, featuring traditional granite construction and medieval architectural details characteristic of the northern Portuguese interior.

Barragem Romana da Abobeleira

The ruins of an ancient Roman gravity dam used for water management, demonstrating the engineering techniques employed during the Roman occupation of the region.