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 hilltop above the old sailing port of Viana do Castelo in Costa Verde. The views are 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 behind the hotel you will find the old village of Celtic round houses. This 'Castro' civilization of Celtic hunter / gatherers flourished until the Romans conquered Portugal and forced the people 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.

The huge tapestry hanging on the wall of the very attractive bar and lounge area 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 who take the opportunity to climb to the observation platform above the temple using the interesting staircase will be rewarded with a 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 local weddings and baptisms are held at the church that the flower display is a permanent feature and is worth stopping 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 cuisine.

The Pousada is beautifully furnished throughtout and has 47 standard rooms - some with sea view, 20 of which have a balcony, 2 deluxe rooms and 1 suite. Some rooms are inter-connecitng.

All bedrooms have private bathroom, air conditioning, telephone, Cable television, mini-bar, hair dryer and 9 rooms have Wireless internet connection.

Facilities at the Pousada include lift, air conditioning, restaurant, bar, terrace, swimming pool, tennis court, snooker, non-smoking room, safe, facilities for disabled persons and 2 garages.

This Pousada also offers excellent conference facilities.

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.

Activities in the area include river fishing, bicycle tours, golf, country walks, four-wheel driving, cruises, water sports and canoeing.

The city of Porto is approx a 30 minute drive and a visit to the Port Wine Lodges is an interesting day out. Also, Braga and Guimaraes which is has been classified a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Portugal's only National Park Peneda Geres is a must for country lovers.

The walled town of Valenca on the Portuguese / Spanish border, only a 30 minute drive, is well worth a visit.

Other trips to Spain include the city and port of Vigo, the lovely town of Bayona (Baiona) and the famous pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

For golfers you have the Ponte de Lima golf course which has been described as 'championship golf at municipal prices'. Other courses in the area can be seen at Northern Golf Courses.

The international airport at Porto (Oporto) is approximately 77 kilometers from this Pousada of Portugal.