Guimarães, a historic town in the north of Portugal, is known for its significant role in the emergence of the Portuguese national identity in the 12th century. It is said that the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, was born in Guimarães, and it was also the site of the Battle of São Mamede, which marked the beginning of the independence of Portugal from the Kingdom of León.
An exceptionally well-preserved and authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern town, Guimarães offers visitors a unique insight into the history and culture of Portugal. Its rich building typology exemplifies the specific development of Portuguese architecture from the 15th to 19th century, with consistent use of traditional building materials and techniques. The Old Town of Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they consider it one of the most important historical centres of the country.
The town is known for its lively atmosphere and cultural events. Visitors can enjoy a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Festival Internacional de Teatro de Guimarães, the Festival de Inverno, and the Feira de São Mateus. Besides the historical and cultural attractions, Guimarães also offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and bird watching.
Overall, Guimarães is a must-see destination for those interested in the history and culture of Portugal and offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences for visitors.
The historical centre within the Guimarães city walls is related to the establishment and identity of Portugal, and it was designated a World Heritage site based on the uniqueness and authenticity with which it was restored. The city still maintains a beautiful, well-preserved legacy, as seen by the exquisite iron verandas, granite balconies and porticos, mansions, arches linking the small streets, time-worn pavement slabs, towers and cloisters. For a minute, imagine yourself in a mediaeval environment, where the nobles erected their mansions throughout time, such as the Mota Prego house, the Vila Flor and Toural palaces, and the many others that give Guimarães its distinct character.
Begin at the city’s centre, Largo da Oliveira, where you’ll discover the Padrão do Salado and the Collegiate Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, which houses the important Alberto Sampaio Museum. Passing through the Paços Municipais (City Hall), covered with battlements, enters the Praça de Santiago, which greeted pilgrims headed for Compostela in the Middle Ages, just as it welcomes inhabitants and visitors now in its cafés and terraces. The Convent of Santa Clara, the Casa do Arco, and other beautiful homes may be found in Rua da Santa Maria, which connects the upper and lower cities.
Go along this street, or the Avenida Alberto Sampaio, which is bordered by the ruins of an old wall that extends into the upper city, between the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança and the castle. On your way to the castle at the top, you will pass by this palace, a 15th-century monument with French seigneurial architecture influences, the Monument to King Afonso Henriques, the Romanesque Chapel of S. Miguel, and finally the Castle, which dates back to the 10th century and is closely linked to the foundation of Portugal.
But you must also see another key place in Guimarães, so return to the Largo do Toural, which features a 16th-century fountain. Rua D. João I, which was on the road to Porto in the Middle Ages, has historic residences with wooden balustrades and a 17th-century façade. The neo-Romanesque Martins Sarmento Archaeological Museum, which extends into the Convent’s cloister, is found around the Church of the Convent of S. Domingos, presently in Rua de Paio Galvão. Just ahead is the historic market hall structure, which now houses the José de Guimarães International Arts Centre, which features a retrospective of the work of this internationally known artist, who was born in the city.
Further out from the city centre, the Vila Flor Palace and Cultural Centre’s flowing gardens with Summer Houses and rocaille ornamentation are well worth a visit, as is the Baroque Church of Nossa Senhora da Consolação e dos Santos Passos at the far end of Largo da Republica do Brasil.
For a different perspective on the city, take the cable car up to Monte da Penha, where you will discover the Shrine of Our Lady of Penha and one of the most stunning vistas in northern Portugal.
Things To See And Do In Guimarães
Square Largo da Oliveira
The communal plaza of Largo do Oliveira, named after a centuries-old olive tree placed here, is one of the city’s cultural focal points, along with the adjoining Largo da Sao Tiago. The area is surrounded by classic Portuguese buildings, with a stunning gothic shrine in the centre. This was erected during Alfonso IV’s rule to commemorate the battle of Salado, in which Portuguese and Castilian forces defeated the Moorish army in 1339.
Citania de Briteiros
Citania de Briteiros, home to numerous historic riddles, is supposed to have been the location of a Castro culture community going back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. It appears to have lasted into the Middle Ages. This is an excellent place to visit if you want to learn more about how earlier Iberian communities interacted with their surroundings. It is the site of several significant findings in northern Iberia.
Guimarães Castle
No visit to Guimarães is complete without seeing its most magnificent and colossal landmark, the Guimarães Castle. The castle is a symbol of the region’s power. It is a cultural gem that draws a great number of people each year. Whether you want to stand in its magnificent shadow and enjoy the castle from below, or scale its defences and see the city from above, this is a must-see for any visitor.
Rua de Santa Maria
Rua de Santa Maria, one of Guimarães’ most ancient and culturally significant avenues, is home to a number of mediaeval architectural marvels. Walk along the street to feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. There are also a number of restaurants and stores on the street. It is the ideal location for seeing the city’s splendour while shopping or dining at one of the restaurants.
Igreja de Sao Francisco
The São Francisco Convent and Church is a significant architectural and historical element of Portuguese identity. It is a permanent relic of the Franciscan order in Guimarães. The church is an excellent example of architectural fusion. These include gothic and mannerist styles, as well as a variety of others that have been altered through many centuries to produce the wonderful combination that can be seen today.
Serra Penha
The Serra Penha, one of Northern Portugal’s most stunning natural monuments, is regarded as Guimarães home mountain. This gigantic granite mountain towers over the city at over 600 metres in height. The summit has a number of activities available, including mini-golf, as well as a statue honouring Pius IX. Climb the peak to get a birds-eye perspective of the surrounding area.
Jardins do Palaci de Vila Flor
The gardens and palace of Vila Flor are identified as one of the starting sites for Guimarães cultural superiority. The Jardins do Palacio de Vila Flor are a wonderful illustration of how human innovation and natural beauty can coexist in harmony. The gardens are a pleasant hideaway and a relaxing area from which to take in the splendour of Guimarães.
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