Paço da Giela is a fortified manor house above Arcos de Valdevez, with a medieval tower, later residential wings, and broad views over the valley. It is one of the town's clearest links to the old noble families and frontier history of northern Portugal.
The restored interior is compact, but the site makes a good short visit before or after heading into Peneda-Gerês. Go for the architecture and the view as much as for the exhibits; the building explains the defensive, rural character of the region better than a panel ever could.