According to some explanations, the city's name derived from the Roman term "viso", which means a good view, and in fact from its highest point, where the original settlement was formed in Roman times, Viseu offers its visitors some quite magnificent panoramic views.
The city has a number of green and leafy parks and is very cool and pleasant, yet it also preserves a rich heritage in terms of monuments, amongst which the highlights are the cathedral and the Misericórdia church.
Viseu is located in the centre of a demarcated wine region that has taken the name of the river passing through it - Dão. It is an area that produces reds and whites of exceptional quality, ideal accompaniments for the region's excellent cuisine, with a special mention being reserved for the roast veal cooked in the Lafões style.

Monuments

Viseu Cathedral
Viseu Cathedral began as a Romanesque structure. It still retains the appearance of a fortified building but later alterations can also be seen, particularly the 17th century and the 18th century decoration on top of the bell towers.
The interior of the Cathedral features some interesting 16th century knotted vaults, the 17th century choir stalls and gilt carving, and 18th century glazed tiles.

Gastronomy

Rich and varied, the traditional gastronomy of this region is one of its main attractions.
The flavours of the Beira soup or “Caldo Verde”, “Migas à Lagareiro”, shrub rice, “Rancho à Moda de Viseu”, Roast Veal “à Moda de Lafões”, roast codfish and Octopus “à Lagareiro”, Roasted kid, catfish rice, trouts from the Paiva river, duck rice, smoked ham, sausages (black-pudding, smoked pork sausage, pork sausage made of flour)… are the delight of those who seek them.