Situated in the south of the green Minho region about 15 km
west of Guimarães, Vila Nova de Famalicão is a
busy market town, notable for its handicrafts and high-quality
leather goods. What to see. Built in the 13th century on a hill outside
the town, the Romanesque abbey church of São Tiago de
Antas has a fine doorway of the transitional period. It features
a pointed chancel, square Renaissance windows inserted into
its original apse and walls lined with yellow azulejo glazed
tiles. Nearby. Vila Nova de Famalicão provides the perfect
base from which to see the best of the lush, green Minho region.
As short drive to the east brings you to Guimarães, an
ancient town reputed to be the birth of the nation. A similar
distance north lies Braga, famous for its numerous churches
and important pilgraimge shrine. 20 km west are the coastal
towns of Póvoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde, both with
long sandy beaches and excellent fish restaurants.
