Born in Viana do Castelo, D. Ana Gonçalves da Silva, or Dona Aninhas, as affectionately called by those closest to her, worked diligently in the fields and made many sacrifices to raise her children.

She valued work as a means of growth and honored the honesty and loyalty that were characteristic of her.

She couldn’t read or write, but she always encouraged her children to study and read in order to achieve their goals.

The AP Dona Aninhas is a tribute by António Parente, chairman of the AP Hotels & Resorts group, to Mrs. Aninhas, his mother.

The AP Dona Aninhas is a hotel that celebrates the beauty and history of Viana do Castelo.

Inspired by the traditions and cultural heritage of Viana do Castelo, every detail has been carefully chosen to transform the AP Dona Aninhas into a charming boutique hotel, filled with elements that reflect the unique identity of this Minho city.

Navigators, Filigree, and Embroidery. These artistic expressions reflect the cultural heritage and talent of local artisans, conveying the history and identity of Viana do Castelo.

The embroideries of Viana do Castelo are known for their exceptional beauty and quality. This expression of traditional art is characterized by vibrant designs and colors, using cotton threads to create unique patterns.

The embroideries are applied to various products, such as towels, handkerchiefs, bedspreads, and clothing, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. The themes of the embroideries often depict elements of nature such as flowers, birds, and cultural symbols of Viana do Castelo, reinforcing the connection with the region’s rich craft tradition.

Filigree is an ancient technique that involves skillful manipulation of gold or silver threads to create delicate pieces.

In Viana do Castelo, filigree has gained special prominence, being considered one of the most refined and detailed in Portugal. Local artisans master the art of interweaving metallic threads, creating exquisite designs that adorn jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. Each piece is carefully crafted by hand, conveying the dedication and talent of the artisans who perpetuate this ancestral tradition.

The Navigators are an iconic expression of Viana do Castelo.

Known as a land of navigators, as illustrious men are native to it, such as João Álvaro Fagundes, “the captain of the new land”; Diogo Álvares, better known as “Caramuru,” the “most paradigmatic pioneer of the Vianense people of the fifteenth century”; or Pêro do Campo Tourinho, who “was in charge of the captaincy of Porto Seguro in 1534, where he traveled by order of D. João III.”

The navigators are a source of inspiration for the decoration of AP Dona Aninhas, with a floor dedicated to this theme.

In the hallways leading to the rooms, we find marbling as it was traditionally used in stately homes. Also known as the marbled painting technique, it was a popular form of interior decoration in past centuries. This technique involves imitating the appearance of marble through painting, creating effects and patterns similar to those found in natural stones.

To achieve the marbling effect, craftsmen applied multiple layers of paint in different shades and textures, using brushes, sponges, and even feathers. They mastered the skill of blending colors and creating characteristic marble patterns, resulting in a realistic and sophisticated appearance.

In the restaurant, we encounter the art of Diogo Navarro, a contemporary artist known for his ability to capture essence in his works. His paintings are characterized by expressive representation of movement and harmony between forms and colors, creating a dynamic environment that portrays the energy and emotion of Olga Roriz’s dance, a dancer and choreographer native to Viana do Castelo.

On the hotel’s entrance staircase and in the AP Dona Aninhas bar, you can find panels by António Bustorff.