The beachside town of Viana do Castelo has a serene location between the ocean and mountains in the northernmost region of Portugal. Surrounded by green and fertile hills and situated at the mouth of the Lima River, this city is proud of its history of maritime exploration and of being one of the main ports from where the Portuguese discoverers set out to explore the unknown world during the 15th century. Nowadays Viana do Castelo has a thriving fishing industry and maintains its strong links with the folklore and traditions of the historic region of Minho, with gastronomic specialties, handicrafts and lively odd parties. The buildings and monuments of the city are an intriguing synthesis of periods and architectural styles. In the elegant Republic Square, the Fountain of 1553 is highly esteemed. Also in this square is the Misericórdia Church, a late Renaissance hospice composed of impressive Romanesque arcades and carved pillars. The city also houses a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. In 2009, Wallpaper magazine considered Viana do Castelo a "Mecca of modern architecture" in recognition of its ambitious designs, especially the new Municipal Library and Praça da Liberdade. J