Located on the banks of the River Tâmega, the city of Chaves is known for the quality of its thermal waters.

Prized since the Roman occupation of the area, they were named “Aquae Flaviae” by Emperor Vespasian in the 1st century AD in recognition of the water’s healing properties - among the hottest in Europe at a temperature of around 73º C when it flows out of the ground.

The Roman bridge over the River Tâmega, one of the city’s iconic landmarks, is one of the most important legacies left by the Romans, completed by order of Emperor Trajan between the end of the 1st and start of the 2nd century. This golden age for the city is revealed in detail at the Hot Spring Museum.

Igreja da Misericórdia©C.M. Chaves

Chaves has always been important from a strategic and military perspective. Among the remnants of the medieval period that can still be seen to this day are the castle's Keep, which was built by King Dinis in the 13th century, along with sections of the wall surrounding the oldest historical town centre and the Forts of São Neutel and São Francisco, which date back to the 17th century.

Close to the Keep, the Museum of the Flaviense Region, housed in a 15th century building that was once the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, reveals the history of the city. You can also visit the Santa Maria Maior Mother Church and Church of Mercy. In the 19th century, Napoleon's invading troops suffered their first defeat on Portuguese soil in the very city of Chaves itself. 

Museu de Arte Contemporânea Nadir Afonso ©C.M. Chaves

Its past rich in history and heritage, Chaves is also recognised for its local contemporary art. In addition to the permanent collection displaying works by the Portuguese painter after whom it is named, the Nadir Afonso Contemporary Art Museum displays temporary exhibitions in a modern building designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. Near Chaves, in the town of Vidago, in addition to the equally renowned Vidago Hot Springs, the João Vieira House-Museum is certainly worth a visit, honouring one of the greatest Portuguese artists of the 20th century who was born there in 1934.

Trilho de Quinta do Rebentão ©C. M. Chaves

Located almost on the Spanish border, at the Chaves Public Garden roundabout, is Km 0 of Estrada Nacional 2– EN2 – the longest road in Portugal that runs from the very north to the very south of the country, to Faro in the Algarve, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Spanning around 739 kilometres of stories waiting to be told, it is the perfect itinerary along which to discover Portugal's authentic culture and landscape.

Those who enjoy outdoor activities, particularly walking and hiking, have a myriad of choices at their fingertips. One of the most important is the Portuguese “Interior Way” to Santiago de Compostela, which takes pilgrims through the city, having come from Viseu. Trails visitors can take to explore Chaves’ natural and cultural heritage span 80 km of rural paths that follow the Tâmega River past churches, sanctuaries, old border routes, Roman roads and mills. The Tâmega Ecovia, which runs along the riverfront, connects Chaves and the Spanish city of Verín. You can also follow the old 19th-century Corgo River railway line – the Tâmega and Corgo International Ecovia - which has since been transformed into a 12 km pedestrian path connecting the Chaves, Vidago and Pedras Salgadas hot springs.

In Vilas de Nantes, within the municipality, the Camões Route showcases the birthplace of the great 16th century Portuguese poet, Luís Vaz de Camões, as well as places where he would have spent his time. The location is one of only four in the country where black clay pottery is handmade.

Pastéis de Chaves © C.M. Chaves

Chaves is also known for its rich cuisine, including Chaves Pasties, Chaves “Folar” bread, sausages and cured ham, important ingredients in traditional dishes such as chorizo rice, “penca” cabbage soup, and lard broth.

To experience celebrations in the city, the best time to visit is August, when the Festivals of the Peoples of Aquae Flaviae take place, celebrating the golden era in the city when it was part of the Roman Empire. For 3 days, a Gallaeci-Roman market is recreated, where visitors can sample the region's delicacies while watching games, musical performances, dances, and period processions.  The Gallaeci people, legionaries, gladiators, senators, musicians, dancers, beggars, slaves, falconers and deities are represented, portraying daily life in Aquae Flaviae.