Vila Real possesses other monuments which are well worth a visit: the Cathedral, the House of Mateus and the New Chapel, the stone pillory and a group of mediaevel buildings including of the House of Diogo Cão and adjoining buildings. It has numerous buildings of noble proportions, many of which bearing armorial insignia. But best of all is a stroll through the streets of the historical zone, enjoying the harmonious groups of façades which reveal, here and there, delightful details.

Monuments

Mateus Palace
The Casa de Mateus Foundation is one of the most active cultural organisations in the country, acting on a regional, national and international level.
Amongst other regular activities, the Foundation promotes and hosts concerts, seminars, training courses - mainly in the field of music - exhibitions and similar events.
In 1980 the "D. Dinis" literature award was created and is bestowed annually to Portuguese writers.
The Casa de Mateus was built in the first half of the 18th Century by António José Álvares Botelho Mourão (1688-1746), 3rd Morgado of Mateus.
The architectural design of the house, ex-libris of the Portuguese baroque, is attributed to the great Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni and manages to harmonize the traditionally comfortable dimensions of the Portuguese noble house to the baroque exhuberance displayed in the main façade, the decorative motifs of the roofs and in the chapel designed by Master José Álvares Rego.
Very well preserved and improved in the course of generations, the gardens are amongst the most beautiful of the country.

Gastronomy and Handicrafts

Vila Real has plenty of reasons to delight the gourmet and wine connaisseur. One dish in its gastronomy stands out, "tripas com molhos" (tripe with sauces), a unique specialty, and "pastéis de toucinho-do-céu" (tartlet filled with egg yolks and sugar). The wine list – magnificent.
The black clay pottery of Bisalhães and the linenware from Agarez are some of the articles of interest produced by the local handicrafts industry.