Vila Real is one of the 17 Portuguese dioceses that will open its arms to the pilgrims that Dias Nas Dioceses (DND) will bring, from 26 to 31 July, the week before World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023.

The capital of the Douro sub-region has about 213,775 inhabitants, divided into eight Archpriestates (Douro I, Douro II, Centre I, Centre II, Tâmega, Alto Tâmega, Barroco and Valpaços) and 264 parishes.

One of the great riches of this Diocese, located in the heart of northern Portugal, are its gastronomic dishes, such as kid and Feijoada à Transmontana. Besides the gastronomic aspect, the cultural and historical heritage present in Vila Real is vast.

Those who visit the Diocese of Vila Real can visit the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Graça, in Mondim de Basto, the viewpoint of São Leonardo de Galafura, the Fisgas de Ermelo waterfall, the Roman bridge in Chaves and the Douro Museum, in Régua.

Did you know that...?

1. In this diocese you can find the Cathedral of Vila Real, a reference of gothic architecture from the beginning of the 15th century;

2. Through the beautiful landscapes of the Diocese it is possible to see the Alto Douro Wine Region, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The Douro is a European reference in wine, in the harmonious celebration of nature and in the works carried out by Durienses generations. Vila Real, together with other municipalities, is part of the candidacy of the Intermunicipal Community of the Douro (CIM), the Douro being distinguished as "European Wine City 2023";

3. In the year 2022 the Diocese of Vila Real celebrated its centenary.

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.