History says that this is where the first settlement of the city was born. This old town is characterised by its narrow cobbled streets and old house facades and is considered a historic area of great architectural value and heritage.

In the heart of this Old Town is the Chapel of Corpo Santo, one of the few surviving four-century buildings. This is also one of the oldest streets in the city, Rua de Santa Maria, which houses several local businesses, such as the typical Fábrica de Chapéus (Hat Factory), which has been operating for over 60 years in the same space, or the Fábrica de Botas de Vilão (Boots Factory of Vilão).

As you walk along the cobbled pathway of this street, you will come to the beautiful Igreja do Socorro. At the top, there is also a small, viewing point, which allows you to enjoy a beautiful view of the city.

The nightlife in the Old City Area is currently a great attraction where art and entertainment are combined, as the streets of this area have undergone an artistic intervention by both local and foreign artists (Project “Arte de Portas Abertas“), which represents one of the facets of urban culture and art in the city.