Viseu
Viseu, 70km west of Guarda, is one of Portugal’s most pleasant towns. Viseu, pronounced “vi-zeh-oo” is the capital of Beira Alta province with a population of around 53,000 people.
Legend has it that Viriatus, the chief of the local Lusitani, held out against the Romans here, before his betrayal and death. The name of the city derives from the Latin “viso” meaning “good view.”
Viseu changed hands between the Moors and the Christians between the 8th and 11th centuries, before its capture by Ferdinand I of León in 1057.
The city’s walls were added by Afonso V in 1472 and Viseu became a prosperous trading and agricultural town. Today’s the area’s Dão wines and university adds to the well-to-do atmosphere. The annual Feira da São Mateus from mid-August until September 21 is an agricultural fair and festival that celebrates the area’s local produce.
Gastronomy
In Viriato lands, the art of receiving and serving is cultivated. Rich and varied, typically Beirão, the gastronomy from Vise is one of the great attractions of the region. Full-bodied dishes, varied and sweet snacks to appease the most demanding palates are an irresistible menu, not to be missed in the numerous restaurants in the area.
The Rancho à Moda de Viseu is the ex-libbris of the city and, perhaps, the best-known dish. The story is told that the famous Vaisnava delicacy was born in troubled times of the war between liberals and absolutists, in Regiment Infantry nº14. At that time, the urgency of ensuring the soldiers’ food led the cook to prepare a dish with all the ingredients that were available. From the meat of chicken, pork and beef, sausages, chickpeas, potatoes, pasta, and sprouts came a full-fat and caloric food that guaranteed the military’s resistance under warlike adversities.
This is also the land of the famous Roasted Veal Lafões, Carqueja Rice, Entrecote with Chorizo and Grelos, Boiled Portuguese and Cabrito Roasted.
As far as sweets are concerned, Viriato is king. Its “V” -shaped look sets the curiosity of all tourists, kids and adults alike, who can not resist the unmistakable flavor of the cake, a must-have presence in many pastry shops and confectioneries in the city. The origin of Viriato’s original recipe remains, to this day, a mystery. Some mention that it may have arrived, more than 50 years ago, by the hands of a group of pastry chefs from Lisbon. Others point it as a Visean recipe, created by a lady residing at Casa das Bocas, on Rua João Mendes. This is the case of Confeitaria Amaral, which follows this same recipe, which they register. Regardless of the origins, the truth is that a visit to Viseu is synonymous with a taste, although running, of the typical candy.
Viseu’s Egg Chestnuts and Bean Pastries are also part of this “gluttonous showcase”.
Finally, to highlight the “icing on the cake”: the Dão Wines. Mature, fruity aromas from the Dão Demarcated Region, the exceptionality of these nectars are a must-visit business card, to experience with all the calmness and tranquility, to accompany a meal or even to enjoy at the end of the day.
