VIANA DO CASTELO

town and capital of Viana do Castelo distrito (district), northwestern Portugal. It lies at the mouth of the Lima River, north of Porto. Mount Santa Luzia dominates the town, which originated as the Roman Velobriga. An important medieval seaport trading with Genoa and Venice, it subsequently developed as the base for cod-fishing fleets sailing to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. Notable buildings of Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline architecture in the town include the Misericrdia Church, Medahes House, and the Convent of So Bento. Local manufactures include carpets, rope, clothing, and flour products. Viana do Castelo district has an area of 853 square miles (2,210 square km). Wine production and fishing are its economic mainstays. Pop. (1991 prelim.) town, 8,800; (1992 est.) district, 247,800.