Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History & Culture
The first known settlements in this area date back to the Mesolithic era, with remains from
a Celtic hill found on Monte de Santa Luzia which overlooks the modern town. The only
notable trace left by the Romans was their name for the settlement 'Diana', which even-
tually evolved to Viana when the town was issued a charter by King Afonso III in 1258,
using the name for the town and surrounding area.
It was during the 16
th
Century that Viana gained historical significance as an important
port used for explorers in the Age of Discovery. It was during this period that many of the
town's buildings were constructed, most of which still stand today, and the people enjoyed
great prosperity. It was also during this time that the town evolved from a port to a defens-
ive town, building fortifications and defensive structures such as the Tower of Roqueta. In
the 19
th
Century, Queen Maria II established the Associação Comercial de Viana do Coste-
lo, the fourth oldest public company of its kind, and elevated the town to the status of city,
granting it its current name.
© Flickr / Rossana Ferreira
