Discover Chaves: Thermal Baths, History and Trails

Chaves is a destination where Roman history, medieval traces, thermal traditions and trails through rural landscapes come together. For families and other travel groups, this creates a diverse range of options: you can explore historic buildings, learn about the history of the thermal baths, include trails in your plans and discover a regional speciality.

Roman Heritage and Medieval Traces

A prominent destination is the Trajan Bridge. It is currently reserved exclusively for pedestrian traffic, is about 140 metres long and rests on 16 round arches. Its construction dates to the period between the end of the 1st and the beginning of the 2nd century, when Emperor Trajan ruled. Anyone interested in ancient architecture will find a tangible place here where history and a walk can be combined.

The medieval side of Chaves is also tangible. The Torre de Menagem is the surviving tower of the castle that King D. Dinis had built in the 13th century. The tower houses the Núcleo Militar, which permanently displays military equipment, weapons, swords, uniforms, flags and artillery pieces. The Museu da Região Flaviense is housed in a 15th-century building, the former Paço dos Duques de Bragança, and presents the history of Chaves.

Thermal History and Museums

The thermal springs of Chaves have been valued since the Roman occupation. The Roman thermal complex comprises two large pools, several smaller pools, an outdoor patio, the so-called palaestra, and a complex hydraulic system. It was in operation at least until the end of the 4th century AD. The Museu das Termas Romanas focuses on the ruins of these Roman thermal baths, which were considered among the largest on the Iberian Peninsula.

For a culturally varied trip, the Museu dedicado a Nadir Afonso is also worth considering. It has a permanent collection featuring works by the Portuguese painter Nadir Afonso and hosts temporary exhibitions. This allows your exploration of ancient and medieval history to be complemented by another artistic perspective, without requiring you to limit your trip to a single theme.

Trails, Connections and Travel Planning

Chaves is also connected to several documented trail routes. The Caminho Interior Português para Santiago de Compostela passes through Chaves. The Trilhos de visitação do Património natural e cultural de Chaves comprise 80 kilometres of rural trails. In addition, the Ecovia do Tâmega connects Chaves with the Spanish town of Verín. If you would like to combine culture and exercise, you can include these different trail connections in your travel plans. The figure of 80 kilometres helps distinguish the extent of the rural trail network from individual sightseeing visits.

August Festival and Chaves Speciality

A seasonal highlight is the Festas dos Povos de Aquae Flaviae, which takes place in August. If you are planning your trip for this month, this festival is one of the town's cultural points of interest. In culinary terms, Pastéis de Chaves are among the highlighted gastronomic specialities. This allows you to tailor your days in Chaves according to your interests, with a stronger focus on architectural history, thermal traditions, trails, art or local cuisine.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Chaves, it helps to first determine your preferred travel rhythm: Would you like to visit several museums and historic sites, incorporate trails into your stay or experience August with its programme of festivities?

Further Destinations for Your Travel Plans

For further orientation, you can also find Sabrosa, Covas Do Douro, Manta Rota, Valpaços, Fiães Do Rio, Pardelhas, Santo Estêvão and Sedielos here for further guidance.

For the overarching travel overview: Vila Real.