Plan a trip to Vila Do Conde

It is home to a charming historic center, a poetic folk hero, and beautiful sandy beaches – among the best in the north of Porto. It served as an important port for salt export during the Roman period and continued to be a key shipping port during the Age of Discovery.

The Monastery of Santa Clara, also known as the Convent of Santa Clara, is an enormous complex dating back to the 13th century that rises on top of a hill overlooking the city. Added to and modified over the centuries, the convent has an 18th century Baroque façade, a Gothic style church, 18th century “new dormitories,” and the arches of the old cloister. The remains of the 17th-18th century Santa Clara aqueduct are located behind the complex. Reputed to have had 999 granite arches in its heyday, sections of the structure are still intact and are impressive to see.

Vila de Conde’s shipbuilding and seafaring history dates back to the 13th century, and Casa Do Barco, a museum housed in a square glass building, provides a glimpse into the city’s shipping history.

The residents of Vila de Conde were known for their skill in tying fishing nets and in traditional lace and embroidery work. The craft is still taught here – one of the only places in the world – in the Lace and Embroidery Museum, the Museu Rendas De Bilros.

The famous Portuguese poet, Jose Regio, lived in Vila do Conde, and his home, Casa-Museu Jose Regio, now houses a collection of his religious art, furniture, and ceramics.