This Pousada is in the centre of Vila Nova de Cerveira, a small walled town which was built on the orders of the King D. Diniz in 1400.

It is situated on the banks of the River Minho which forms the northern border between Portugal and Spain.

A recently built bridge enables guests to drive across to the Spanish region of Galicia which has many interesting places to visit.

In Galicia you have the city and Port of Vigo, the delightful sailing town of Baiona (Bayona), the beaches of the stunning nature reserve of the Islas de Cies and the world famous pilgrimage city of Santiago do Compostela.

Opportunity should be taken to sample the Galician food which, like the language, changes completely when you cross the river.

Vila Nova de Cerveira is famous for its Biennial Fine Arts Festival held in August and September.

This festival has resulted in a number of interesting sculptures in the town.

Near the Pousada, in a small garden, is a sculpture of a rock supported by a tripod which has become the symbol of the Arts Festival.

A former 18th Century Manor House in the town, Solar dos Castros, has a striking statue of a group of men who won the first prize in the competition a few years ago.

In 1942 the old town was restored and, in 1982 some of the buildings, including the chapel became the Pousada.

For this restoration and concept, the scheme was awarded the coveted 'Europa Nostra' architectural prize.

The rooms and suites have their own courtyards and they are all located within the old walls giving the impression of a small, medieval citadel.

The restaurant at the Pousada has superb views over the River Minho, its beautiful valley and the mountains of Galicia in the distance.

The Pousada has 29 rooms and suites, some with balcony.

The bedrooms all have private bathroom, air conditioning, telephone, Cable television, mini-bar and hair dryer.

Facilities at the Pousada include restaurant, bar, snooker, family games, non-smoking rooms and conference facilities.

Nearby in Vila Nova de Cerveira there is a new indoor community heated swimming pool.

Dining in Portugal is usually very good. The restaurants of the Pousada group hotels offer a variety of dishes including a selection of local and regional specialities.

Activities in the area include hunting, river fishing, golf, country walks, cycling, cruises, four-wheel driving, four-wheel motorbikes, sailing, rowing, canoeing, horse riding and carriage tours.

From this location there are many places to visit, the old walled town of Valenca is only 16 kilometers away. If visiting make sure you go to the Fort (Fortaleza) with many shops and restaurants.

The delightful old sailing town of Viana do Castelo, approximatley 40 kilometers away, should not be missed.

The city of Porto is approx a 50 minute drive and a visit to the Port Wine Lodges is an interesting day out.

Also, Braga and Guimaraes which has been classified a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Approximatley 40 minutes by car is the only National Park in Portugal, the Peneda Geres which is a must for lovers of the countryside.

For golfers you have the Ponte de Lima golf course which has been described as 'championship golf at municipal prices'.

The international airport at Porto (Oporto is approximately 117 kilometers from this Pousada of Portugal.