The old-world little town of Chaves, the Roman Aquae Flaviae, lies on a plateau in northern Portugal near the Spanish frontier, in an area watered by the Rio Tâmega which has been intensively cultivated since ancient times. As far back as the Romans there has been recourse to the town's hot springs (73°C
/163°F) for the treatment of rheumatism and internal ailments, and the modern thermal baths below the castle are well used today.
History
The town has a history dating back to pre-Roman times. With a substantial stone bridge over the Rio Tâmega built in the reign of Trajan (98-117), it became an important staging point on the road between Asturica Augusta (Astorga) and Bracara Augusta (Braga). During the Middle Ages it was a stronghold defending Portuguese territory against Spain in the north.
Townscape
The town still presents a sturdy defensive face to the world, its powerful castle rearing above the white houses with their balconies and arcades.