Pousada do Monte de Santa Luzia

Viana do Castelo - Minho - Portugal

The National Geographic magazine wrote 'Santa Luzia is blessed with one of the world's finest panoramas, perhaps bettered only by those of Funchal and Rio de Janeiro, both in Portuguese speaking countries'.

The pousada is on a small hill above the old sailing port of Viana do Castelo and the view looks over the port and the river estuary and the long sweep of the sandy beaches of Cabedelo. In the foreground is the dome of the temple of Santa Luzia.

This hill has been inhabited from about 2000 BC and the old village of Celtic round houses is behind the hotel. This 'Castro' civilization of Celtic hunter/gatherers flourished until the Romans conquered Portugal and forced the citizens into the valleys to become farmers to provide food for the Roman legions. The last inhabitants of this old 'citania' left in about 500 AD.

A tapestry hanging on the wall of the bar commemorates the Romans crossing the river Lima when they invaded over 2000 years ago. On arriving at the river Lima, a few kilometres above the town, the legionnaires thought it was the River Lethe, the legendary river of forgetfulness.  They believed that anyone who crossed it would lose their memory so they would not cross the river. The leader then crossed on his horseback and called each man by name to prove that he had not lost his memory.

The young and fit should take the opportunity to climb to the observation platform above the temple using an interesting staircase and rewarded by the magnificent view, although it can be a little windy. The entrance is on the side facing up-river marked 'Zimborio'. Once inside pay a few Euros to the keeper of the temple before climbing the stairs. For the less agile there is a lift to a lower area from the sea side of the building.

Although there has been a chapel since the middle ages the temple itself is only 100 years old. So many of the local weddings and baptisms are held at the church that the flower display is a permanent feature and is worth a stop to see.

In 1903 one of the citizens of Viana do Castelo, Domingos Jose de Morais, who had made his fortune in Brazil, ordered the construction of the hotel which he gave to the city. The hotel was opened in 1918 and came under the management of the Pousada group in 1979. It has recently been completely modernized and upgraded to become one of the best of the charming Pousadas.

The restaurant is at the front of the building and when the weather is suitable the picture windows are opened and meals are served on the terrace. The restaurant menu includes both regional and international dishes.

The Pousada is beautifully furnished throughtout and has 44 standard rooms - some with sea view, 20 of which have a balcony, 3 executive rooms and 3 suites. Some rooms are inter-connecitng. All bedrooms have private bathroom.

The Pousada has air conditioning, a tennis court and a swimming pool. It has a lift and is suitable for handicapped.

The Pousada offers excellent conference facilities and its location is ideal as it is only 30 minutes from the Oporto airport.

An interesting drive is along the forestry road leaving the back of the hotel and running along the top of the mountain for about 20 kilometres through undisturbed woodland and pastures where wild horses roam.