Chaves was founded by the Romans as a spa town called Aquae Fluviae. Their impressive 2-millennium-old bridge named after Emperor Trajan, with 16 arches and two milestones, remains over the Tâmega River, while their thermal springs (among the hottest in Europe), are still in use today, with warm waters that treat rheumatism and hypertension.

The old town is made up of narrow streets filled with elegant houses, most of which have carved wood balconies.
The main square is Praça de Camões, with a statue of the first Duke of Bragança standing in the center.
Overlooking it are the Parish Church (with a fine Romanesque portal) and the 17th century Baroque Misericórdia Church (ornamented with twisted columns and containing a gilded altarpiece, a painted ceiling, and walls lined with huge white and blue tile panels depicting scenes from the New Testament).

Also in the same square is the Regional Museum devoted to archaeology, with prehistoric stones, Roman remains, and local crafts.
Behind it is the 14th century castle keep, the remains of an ancient castle that houses a Military Museum with displays of ancient weaponry and armour.

Places Nearby

Vila Real - A delightful baroque palace Bragança - An old castle; mysterious stones; one of Europe's wildest regions