Guimarães

Guimarães, a small city in northern Portugal, played a crucial role in the country's founding. Its medieval center, with the imposing Guimarães Castle, preserves the atmosphere of Portugal's early days. You can explore lively squares like Largo da Oliveira, dine in traditional restaurants serving local specialties, and visit cultural institutions such as the Platform of Arts. The surrounding region includes the Iron Age archaeological site Citânia de Briteiros and natural areas like Penha Park.

Key Attractions in Guimarães

Guimarães Castle

The 10th-century Guimarães Castle stands atop Monte Latito, overlooking the city. This medieval fortress played a crucial role in defending the young Portuguese state. You can climb the narrow steps to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Guimarães and the surrounding area. The castle grounds are open to visitors and entrance is free.

Palace of the Dukes of Bragança

Near the castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança is a 15th-century residence that now serves as a museum. The palace's architecture blends Gothic and French influences, resulting in a unique appearance with 39 tall brick chimneys. Inside, you'll find rooms furnished with period pieces and an extensive collection of tapestries, weapons, and artwork.

Largo da Oliveira and Praça de São Tiago

At the heart of Guimarães' historic center lie two charming squares: Largo da Oliveira and Praça de São Tiago. Largo da Oliveira, named after an old olive tree, is home to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira and the curious Padrão do Salado monument. Praça de São Tiago, just a short walk away, is lined with traditional houses and inviting cafes. These squares are active centers of daily life in Guimarães and provide ideal spots to relax with a coffee or meal.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2001, UNESCO added Guimarães' historic center to the World Heritage List. The organization acknowledged it as an example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern town. The historic center maintains its medieval layout, with narrow streets, squares, and traditional houses. Many buildings from the 15th to 19th centuries showcase the development of Portuguese architecture, using local stone and wood in their construction.

Historical Significance of Guimarães

Guimarães holds a special place in Portuguese history as the birthplace of the nation. In the 12th century, Afonso Henriques, who would become Portugal's first king, was born here. The Battle of São Mamede in 1128, fought just outside the city, marked a key moment in Portugal's struggle for independence from the Kingdom of León. For a brief period after this victory, Guimarães served as the capital of the newly established Portuguese kingdom. This rich history earned Guimarães the nickname "Cidade Berço" or "Cradle City" among the Portuguese.

Cultural Institutions and Events

Guimarães has a dynamic cultural scene, partly due to its role as European Capital of Culture in 2012. The Platform of Arts and Creativity, housed in a former market building, hosts exhibitions of contemporary art. The city also maintains several museums, including the Alberto Sampaio Museum, which houses an important collection of religious art. Throughout the year, you can attend various festivals and events, such as the Guimarães Jazz festival in November.

Local Cuisine

Guimarães' culinary scene reflects the rich gastronomy of northern Portugal. Local specialties include "Naco à Conquistador" (a hearty beef dish) and "Torta de Guimarães" (a sweet almond tart). The city has numerous traditional tascas (taverns) and modern restaurants where you can try these dishes. Vinho Verde, the region's young, slightly sparkling wine, is a popular accompaniment to meals.

Getting to and Around Guimarães

Guimarães is well-connected to Porto, about 50 km to the southwest. Direct trains run regularly from Porto's São Bento and Campanhã stations, taking about an hour. By car, the journey takes around 40 minutes via the A3 and A7 highways. Once in Guimarães, you can explore the compact historic center on foot. For trips to nearby attractions, local buses and taxis are available.

Day Trips from Guimarães

The area around Guimarães has several interesting destinations for day trips. About 15 km north of the city, the Citânia de Briteiros is an important archaeological site from the Iron Age. Penha Park, accessible by cable car from Guimarães, has hiking trails and views of the surrounding landscape. The nearby city of Braga, with its baroque architecture and religious sites, makes another worthwhile excursion.