New interpretive centre on the Camino at the Forte da Barra

The Chapel of São Tiago and the former powder magazine, located inside the Forte da Barra in Viana do Castelo, are set to be refurbished and turned into a new interpretive centre dedicated to the Camino. The decision was announced during the 2nd Tourism Meetup, held on 17 June at the same location, and is part of a €5 million investment package approved by the national Porto and North Tourism.

The project is included in a wider renovation plan for the fortress, which also involves redesigning the central square — reducing parking from 500 to 100 spaces and adding green areas — restoring the walls and the Roqueta Tower, and upgrading the auditorium’s energy efficiency. The works are expected to be completed within two years.

According to the national Porto and North Tourism, the new interpretive centre will cover all Camino routes that pass through Portuguese territory, not just the Coastal Route. The move follows a recent trend: in May, the number of pilgrims walking the coastal route overtook those on the Central Route.

The Forte da Barra is a 16th-century military structure. It has been under the management of the national Porto and North Tourism since 2021, in partnership with the local Hospitality School. This new interpretive centre will join the existing one opened in 2018 at the Velho de Viana Hospital, a former 15th-century albergue for pilgrims, also dedicated to the Coastal Route.

The initiative aims to strengthen the region’s role as a reference point for pilgrimage and cultural tourism, combining heritage preservation, historical interpretation and support for pilgrims. The investment is supported by European funds through the 2020–2030 regional programme.