about the place
Esposende lies on the northern coast of Portugal, in the District of Braga, where the river Cávado meets the Atlantic. To the north it borders Viana do Castelo, to the east Barcelos, and to the south Póvoa de Varzim. Its documented history dates back to the twelfth century, but the defining milestone is the royal charter granted by King D. Sebastião on 19 August 1572, which raised the settlement to the status of a town. More than four centuries later, on 2 July 1993, Esposende was elevated to the status of a city. Its maritime past and tradition of shipbuilding have left a deep mark on the character of this coastal territory.
