Vila Real
2 April 2012
Vila Real is the 'must stop' for Casa de Mateus if tourist is taking a bus from somewhere. Say, one way trip to Porto over an hour and cost 9 Euro. From there one can take a connecting bus. The first impression of Vila Real is neat and tidy, organised and everything refurbished. It is a small town (less then 25,000 population) but affords to beautify to impress. Houses are very nice and in a good state. I can't remember seeing any decadent houses.
Walking down to the end of the main street (Avendia Carvalho Araujo) will lead you to a panoramic view of a valley. You will see a few houses scattering, in progress highway construction, part of a river and terreaced fields. Very green and charming!
We visited a few churches. Two are Igreja S.Paulo and the cathedral. The first embedded in the shopping area with tile panels inside. The Cathedral is Romanesque style, raw and appealing. The rose window is very modern, however.
Before we headed to Casa de Mateus, we looked for a lunch venue. It is written that Nova Pompeia frequented by locals during lunch. A good hint! We found the right street and number but the name was different, sort of a cafe. Then we asked a man sitting outside the restaurant and reading newspaper. He said here it was the restaurant to clear my doubt. Then I asked further if the food was good. Here is his answer: 'I have to say it is good as I am the owner.' We all burst into laughter and we headed to the upper floor, brighter, airy and more inviting for a long sitting.
Our lunch was delicious and very good value. Seafood risotto, mixed grill meat with potatoes and vegetable, nice bread with butter and 2 other condiments, a glass of white wine, a coke and an expresso. Yummy! The owner was very attentive and assured we enjoyed everything. It is another endorsement that Portuguese are very nice people and helpful. Like!!!
Nova Pompeia
Avendia Carvalho Araujo 82
Vila Real is the 'must stop' for Casa de Mateus if tourist is taking a bus from somewhere. Say, one way trip to Porto over an hour and cost 9 Euro. From there one can take a connecting bus. The first impression of Vila Real is neat and tidy, organised and everything refurbished. It is a small town (less then 25,000 population) but affords to beautify to impress. Houses are very nice and in a good state. I can't remember seeing any decadent houses.
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| Igreja S.Paulo |
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| Vila Real Se/Cathedral |
Before we headed to Casa de Mateus, we looked for a lunch venue. It is written that Nova Pompeia frequented by locals during lunch. A good hint! We found the right street and number but the name was different, sort of a cafe. Then we asked a man sitting outside the restaurant and reading newspaper. He said here it was the restaurant to clear my doubt. Then I asked further if the food was good. Here is his answer: 'I have to say it is good as I am the owner.' We all burst into laughter and we headed to the upper floor, brighter, airy and more inviting for a long sitting.
Our lunch was delicious and very good value. Seafood risotto, mixed grill meat with potatoes and vegetable, nice bread with butter and 2 other condiments, a glass of white wine, a coke and an expresso. Yummy! The owner was very attentive and assured we enjoyed everything. It is another endorsement that Portuguese are very nice people and helpful. Like!!!
Avendia Carvalho Araujo 82
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