The Diocese of Viseu is one of the oldest in Portugal, and its first reference dates back to the Council of Braga in 572. It is composed of six Archpriestates, which include a total of 208 parishes, spread over 3400 Km2 with approximately 268,189 inhabitants.

This Diocese will receive many pilgrims from various parts of the world for the Days in the Dioceses, which take place in the week leading up to World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023, from 26 to 31 July.

The Diocese is known for its rich religious heritage, representative of different eras and styles, and a culture strongly based on traditions. With strong vitality and impact on the youth area, the movements, associations and youth groups, spread throughout its geographical area, arise naturally.

Besides its rich patrimony, the Diocese of Viseu is also known for its gastronomy. Among the typical dishes of the region, "Vitela à Lafões" and "Rancho à moda de Viseu" stand out, two true delights of the region which leave no one indifferent to their flavour.

For those visiting the Diocese of Viseu, there are a variety of places not to be missed such as the Poço Azul, in Santa Cruz da Trapa, São Pedro do Sul, the Grão Vasco National Museum, in Viseu, the Aldeia da Pena, in Covas do Rio, São Pedro do Sul, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança, located in São Miguel de Vila Boa, Sátão, or even the Dão Ecopista, between Viseu and Santa Comba Dão, where you can enjoy a beautiful walk with a breathtaking landscape.

Did you know that...?

1

The Diocese of Viseu has as its patron saint the first Portuguese saint, São Teotónio, who was D. Afonso Henriques' spiritual adviser.

2

Viseu is shaped like a heart, and is also located in the "heart" of Portugal. By superimposing the map and the human body, we see that the location of the diocese and the heart coincide.

3

The city of Viseu is known as "Cidade-Jardim" (Garden-City) for its countless and well-kept green spaces, having been elected in 2007, 2012 and 2021 as the best city to live in Portugal.

The Days in the Dioceses (DND) is an encounter of young people from all over the world that precedes World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023 and will take place in 17 dioceses of mainland Portugal and the islands: Algarve; Angra; Aveiro; Beja; Braga; Bragança-Miranda; Coimbra; Évora; Funchal; Guarda; Lamego; Leiria-Fátima; Portalegre-Castelo Branco; Porto; Viana do Castelo; Vila Real and Viseu.

Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing more about each of these 17 dioceses.

More information about the DND and a map with the location of each diocese here.