The POST partners and experts who met for three days in the North of Portugal to advance the development of the polycentric tourism strategy made a study visit to explore the tourism potential of the Portuguese towns involved in the project. Thus, after the steering committee meeting in Viana do Castelo, the second day was spent in the cities of Valença, Barcelos and Braga. The participants from Ireland, France and Portugal had the opportunity to visit the most emblematic tourist areas of each city and to get to know the most symbolic heritage of these places. 

In Valença, the POST working group toured the fortress of Valença, a historic building that offers stunning views of the Minho river on the border with Spain. The walk through the streets of this town allowed them to reflect on traditional Portuguese architecture, and finally approached Tui (Spain) via the international bridge.

Later, in Barcelos, the participants of the initiative, co-financed through the Interreg programme, went on a gastronomic visit, during which they tasted the famous Gallo de Barcelos, as well as other local delicacies. Barcelos is a town where traditions are celebrated and where its colourful ceramics stand out, with the cockerel, a symbol of Portuguese culture and good luck, taking centre stage. 

Finally, in Braga, the POST team visited the impressive Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary is a great example of baroque architecture, so much so that the city is known as ‘the Rome of Portugal’ for its many religious spaces and outstanding architecture. 

The day focused on exploring the rich cultural, historical and gastronomic offer of these three Portuguese locations, completing a full programme organised over three days. These visits allowed the working group to learn first-hand how sustainable tourism practices are implemented in various locations and how these destinations are contributing to the decentralisation of tourism inland.