North Portugal Tourism Guide - Anadia

Anadia Tourist Information

Anadia is a small town in the centre of the Bairrada wine-growing region. Most of the Bairrada wines are red and popular for their fruity, full taste. Anadia's main attractions are two pretty palaces, one in the town - the palace of the Count of Anadia - and the house of the Marques da Graciosa on the outskirts.

The Palacio dos Paes do Amaral (the Counts of Anadia) is considered to be one of the most beautiful stately homes in the Beira Alta region. It was built in 1724 and it is thought that its design can be attributed to the architect, Nicolau Nasoni, who was living in Porto at that time. The palace underwent some alterations in the 18th and 19th centuries, resulting in its being transformed into a magnificent example of a time when art and sophistication were the hallmarks of that period in Portuguese culture. Inside, are beautiful 18th century azulejos. Palacio dos Condes de Anadia, Largo Condes de Anadia 3530-129 Mangualde. Tel: 351 232 622 366. Open Mon-Sat 2pm - 6pm (Monday to Saturday). Sunday: booking needed.

The town also houses the Museu Jose Luciano de Castro on Rua Dr Alexandre Seabra, 29, 3780-230 Anadia. Tel: 351 231 512 245. Fax: 351 231 511 338. Email: scm.anadia@sapo.pt. Open Mon-Fri 9 am 12.30 pm and 2 5.30 pm. Closed: Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

Not far from Anadia are the two traditional spa resorts of Curia and Luso, whose waters are reputed to be good for health problems like rheumatoid arthritis, high blood-pressure, kidney stones, gout and diseases of the digestive system.

Bairrada Wine Region

The wines from the Bairrada region are nationally and internationally renowned. Wine has been produced here since the 12th century. In 1979 the Bairrada region received its apellation designation. Sparkling wines are of particular note such as "Conde de Cantanhede" and "Marques de Marialva", two of the best quality sparkling wines of the region. Red and white table wines are also produced.

The Bairrada Wine Museum is in Anadia. At the museum find out all about the winemaking history of the region before embarking on the Bairrada Wine Route. Museu do Vinho da Bairrada, Avenida Eng. Tavares da Silva, 3780 - 203 Anadia. Tel: 231 51 97 80. Fax: 231 51 97 81. Email: museuvinhobairrada@mail.telepac.pt. Open Tues-Fri 10 am-1 pm and 2-6 pm. Sat-Sun and Hollidays 11 am-7 pm.

The Bairrada Wine Route, Rota dos Vinhos da Bairrada, takes you through the countryside dotted with vineyards so you can see the wine being produced first hand. The first route takes you through the Dao region where the vineyards are protected by the mountains of the Estrela and Caramulo ranges and takes in Viseu with its rich architectural heritage. The Baga casta grape is the most widely grown grape in this area. The countryside becomes more lush between the River Dao and River Mondego where vineyards are associated with manor houses and stately homes. Along the way you can take in spectacular views of the Serra do Caramulo and its famous forest.

The second route of the Bairrada Wine Route takes you through the Bairrada wine region. Here it is said that the influence of the sea has a lot to do with the character of the wines of this region. This is the route that takes you through the spa towns of Luso and Curia.