of Castelo de Vila Nova de Cerveira, the castle that still dominates the town center. Attractions The castle, today transformed to a pousada, was founded by King Dinis of Portugal and dates back from the 14th century. It lies on a small hill that rises next to the Minho River, thus overlooking the town and passages between Vila Nova de Cerveira and Galicia. The castle still preserves the old wall shield as well as some gates. Inside the walls, it is possible to find the old Town Hall, the old Court, the pillory (pelourinho in Portuguese), old barracks, and warehouses. The Parish Church, or Igreja Matriz, was built in the 18th century and is dedicated to São Cipriano, the patron Saint of Vila Nova de Cerveira. The pillory, or pelourinho, is a symbol of municipal jurisdiction and is located inside the castle in front of the old Town Hall, or Paços do Concelho. It dates back from the 15th century. The old Town Hall dates back from the 16th century and is located inside the castle. In front of the building is the pillory. The Misericórdia Church is located inside the castle and dates back from the 17th century. The Manor House of the Castros Family, or Solar dos Castros, is a remarkable 18th-century structure, and it is one of the most important buildings in town. Currently, it houses the municipal library. Lovelhe Fortress was built in the 17th century in a strategic area for defense manoeuvers on the left bank of Minho River during the restoration war (1640–1668) against Castile Notable people Leonel de Lima (1403-1495) a nobleman, Viscount of Vila Nova de Cerveira. Paulo Cabral (born 1972) a former footballer with 238 club caps and one with Portugal Ricardo Alves (born 1991) a footballer with over 250 club caps References External links Municipality official website Towns in Portugal Municipalities of Viana do Castelo District