The best traffic-free bike rides around Santa Maria Maior

The Roman Baths Museum, recently opened, is a must-see. It is located in Largo do Arrabalde, very close to the current baths. It is the largest Roman bath complex in the Iberian Peninsula. What makes this museum special is that, after an earthquake in the 4th century, the structures collapsed and remained "frozen" in time until they were rediscovered a few years ago. You can see the huge original stone pools where Roman legionaries bathed 2,000 years ago. The Roman Baths Museum What to see: It is the largest Roman bath complex in the Iberian Peninsula. What makes this museum special is that, following an earthquake in the 4th century, the structures collapsed and remained "frozen" in time until they were rediscovered a few years ago. You can see the huge original stone pools where Roman legionaries bathed 2,000 years ago.

Fort of São Francisco (The Main One) This is the fort that dominates the city skyline and where the statue of General Silveira is located. What it is today: It has been magnificently restored and operates as a 4-Star Hotel, but the historical area is open to visitors. Why visit: History: It was here that General Silveira besieged and defeated Napoleon's troops in 1809. Interior: You can enter (entry to the courtyard is free) and see the Church of São Francisco. Originally a convent, the church houses the tomb of the first Duke of Braganza. Views: The ramparts offer an incredible panoramic view over the city and the Tâmega River.

Visiting the Castle of Chaves is worth it because it is, quite literally, the high point of the city—both in altitude and in history. Although "only" the imposing Keep (Torre de Menagem) and parts of the walls remain from the original grand defensive system, a visit is a must for these 4 reasons: 1. The Best View in the City Climbing to the top of the Keep (about 28 meters high) offers an unmatched reward. The Panorama: From there, you have a 360º view over the old rooftops, the Tâmega River winding below, the Roman Bridge, and the Brunheiro and Larouco mountains in the distance. It is the best place to understand the city's geography. 2. The Military Museum (A Journey Across 4 Floors) The tower is not empty. The interior has been transformed into a very interesting Military Museum (and the ticket is almost symbolic, usually costing around €1). As you climb the stairs, you pass through four themed floors showing the evolution of weaponry, from the Middle Ages to World War I. It is fascinating to see armor, swords, and uniforms in an authentic stone setting, which helps you imagine the lives of the soldiers who defended the border there. 3. The Castle Garden The tower is surrounded by a beautifully kept garden, which functions as an open-air museum. It is a peaceful space, full of flowers, where you can see Roman and medieval archaeological pieces displayed on the lawns. It is the ideal spot for a break in the shade after walking through the city. 4. A History of Resistance This castle is a symbol of Portugal's independence. Given its proximity to Spain (only 10 km away), Chaves was always the "Key to the Kingdom." Visiting the castle means standing on ground where countless battles were fought to keep the border safe against Castilian and French invasions. The climb is done via stairs (there is no elevator), but the view from the top makes up for every step. Try to go near the end of the day, when the setting sun hits the stones of the tower and the city below, creating a spectacular golden color.

The Bridge of Trajan (often simply called the Roman Bridge) is, without a doubt, the most important monument in Chaves. It is worth visiting because it is not just an "old stone bridge"; it is a masterpiece of engineering that defines the city's identity. Here are the 4 main reasons why: 1. Walking on 2,000 Years of History This is one of the best-preserved Roman bridges in the entire Iberian Peninsula. It was built between the late 1st and early 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Trajan. The Feeling: Crossing it on foot (cars are forbidden) means you are literally walking on the same stones as Roman legions, medieval merchants, and Napoleonic troops. It is an instant trip back in time. 2. Engineering that Defies Time It is worth looking closely at the structure to understand why it is still standing. The Tâmega River is known for its violent floods, yet the bridge has withstood them for two millennia. The Secret: If you go down to the riverbank, notice the cutwaters (the triangular structures at the base of the pillars). They were designed to "cut" the force of the water and prevent the bridge from collapsing. It is a live lesson in ancient architecture. 3. The Stones that "Speak" (Milestones) In the middle of the bridge, you will find two cylindrical stone columns (milestones) with Latin inscriptions. One of them is particularly important: the "Padrão dos Povos" (Standard of the Peoples). The inscription lists the 10 local tribes of the region (the "Aquiflavienses") who contributed to the construction of the bridge. It is a historical document carved in stone that has survived to this day. 4. The Photogenic Scenery The bridge connects the historic center to the Madalena neighborhood and is set within a beautiful public garden (Jardim do Tabolado). It is the perfect spot to watch the sunset, seeing the reflection of the arches in the water with the Castle of Chaves dominating the landscape high above. Visitor Tip: After crossing the bridge coming from the historic center, turn left and walk along the landscaped riverbanks. There are stepping stones (pedras poldras) nearby in the water that allow you to see the grandeur of Trajan's Bridge from an impressive low angle.

Well-developed even red and yellow colored bicycle and walking paths

Chaves Castle was built in the 9th century by Alfonso III of León to reinforce the city's defenses during the Christian Reconquest. Over the centuries, it has undergone several renovations. It can be visited for just one euro.

The 140 metre-long Ponte Trajano (Trajan Bridge) in Chaves in the Trás-os-Montes region of north eastern Portugal dates from the reign of the Emperor Trajan (53-117) in the early second century AD. The Emperor Trajan was known as a great promoter of public works including the Trajan Forum and Trajan Column in Rome.

The Roman Bridge of Chaves, also known as Trajan's Bridge, is located over the River Tâmega and was built between the end of the 1st century and the beginning of the 2nd century. Along with the development of the thermal baths, it constitutes one of the best Roman legacies of the ancient Águas Flávias, which still stands today, withstanding historic floods and the strong currents of the river. Approximately one hundred and fifty metres long and with a dozen visible arches, the works carried out in the 1930s covered some of the arches and others were still buried in the construction of the houses built there and overlooking the river.[citation needed] In 2008 it became a pedestrian bridge.