Visit to Guimarães
Visit Guimarães: the city where it all began
First capital of Portugal, Guimarães is considered the birthplace and founding city of Portugal. Indeed, it was in Guimarães that the first Portuguese king was born: King Afonso Henriques, the "conqueror" and the "founder" of the Kingdom of Portugal.
If you are passionate about the history of Portugal, it is in Guimarães, a city in the north of the country, that you will find your answers!
Afonso I became king following his victory in the Reconquista against the Kingdom of Castile. It is to him that we owe the independence of Portugal.
Guimarães: a medieval city in Portugal
Steeped in history, the city of Guimarães has former convents, a medieval-style fortified castle and a palace inspired by 14th century French architecture.
Walk the cobbled streets of the city and set off to discover grandiose monuments.
Guimaraes Castle
A stay in Guimarães involves a stop at Guimarães Castle, a medieval fortified castle and the first castle in Portugal.
This is where the country's first king lived. This makes this place the monument most linked to the origins of Portugal.
If you want to immerse yourself in history and discover the secrets linked to the birth of Portugal, walk through the castle and go to the keep: an interpretation center to discover and retrace the country's history.
The convent of Santa Marinha da Costa
The convent of Santa Marinha da Costa was founded by Dona Mafalda, the queen and wife of the first king: Dom Afonso Henriques.
This former convent, dating from the 12th century, is now a hotel that welcomes tourists who come to discover the city and the north of Portugal.
This hotel called the pousada de Santa Marinha is the result of the convent's recovery project: a magnificent reconstruction project that won the national architecture prize in 1985.
The Convent of Santa Clara
The Convent of Santa Clara is also an old restored historical place. From now on, the walls of this former convent house the Town Hall of Guimarães. Discover, in the heart of the city, a town hall with a baroque facade and an interior built with classicist-style architecture.
In the gardens of the town hall, admire the famous sculpture of Santa Clara.
The Palace of the "ducs de Bragance"
Travel through time and discover the Portugal of the 14th and 15th centuries by going to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza in Guimaraes.
This palace was built in a Gothic style inspired by French architecture and precisely that of the region of Burgundy.
This magnificent building is considered one of the most sumptuous places on the Iberian Peninsula.
In 1910, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza was classified as a National Monument.
During the summer season, meet actors in period costume and admire their shows demonstrating the history of the country in the 14th century.
The historic downtown of Guimarães classified by UNESCO
The historic downtown of the city of Guimarães has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
Guimarães is a medieval city where life is good.
Many restaurants, entertainment and shops await you in the heart of the historic town center made up of cobbled streets.
Come and eat or have fun in sublime squares surrounded by traditional houses and ancient religious monuments.
Are you looking for a rental for your next vacation or accommodation to settle in this charming city? Consult the properties offered by our agents and our hosts.
