Guimaraes

The small town of Guimaraes is located north of Porto . It is sometimes referred to as the cradle of Portugal . It was the first capital of the country, and it was also here that the first king of Portugal - Alfonso I was born. Despite losing the status of the capital city already in 1143, Guimaraes continued to develop, and many medieval buildings have survived to this day. One of the biggest attractions is the castle from the 10th century. Right next to it is the interesting palace of the Dukes of Bragancy , which today houses the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Guimaraes, Portugal - © Brate

In the historic city center you will see a lot of interesting monuments, such as the Church of Mercy or the Church of Our Lady of Reconciliation. While strolling, you cannot miss the most important façade in the city, which bears the inscription "Aquiu Nasceu Portugal " or "Here is where Portugal was born". The historic downtown consists of many interconnected squares that surround historic buildings. Very well-preserved examples of medieval architecture have been widely appreciated in the world, due to the inclusion of the entire center on the UNESCO World Heritage List . On the outskirts of Guimaraes, there is Penha Hill , which houses the sanctuary. Tourists hungry for beautiful views can easily get there using the gondola lift.

For whom?

Guimaraes is a must-see for travelers interested in Portuguese history . The city has witnessed many important events in this country. Thanks to the numerous historic buildings, you will like it if you are a fan of medieval architecture . It can also be the perfect destination for a day trip for your vacation in the Porto area.