Portugal was born here…
Walking through the streets of the historic center of Guimarães is like being in an open-air museum.
Situated in the north, Guimarães is one of the most important cities in Portugal. It is considered the “cradle of the nation”, as it is the place where some of the main events that led to the independence and creation of our country took place.
Its extensive history is reflected in the variety of national monuments and historic buildings found in the city.
Built in the 11th century to defend the monastery and the urban centers of the region, it is believed that it was here that the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, was born, therefore, it is one of the great historical landmarks of our country.
Guimarães Castle has seven towers and some steps that are worth climbing to take in the wonderful view.
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Inspired by French manor residences, the Dukes of Bragança Palace was built by Afonso de Barcelos, the first Duke of Bragança.
The building, which underwent a long period of neglect, currently houses one of the most visited museums in the country, with a diverse collection of decorative arts from the 17th and 18th centuries. Of the vast collection, the set of four copies of Pastrana’s tapestries, which narrate some of the steps of the conquests of North Africa, stands out for its valuable contribution to the history of the Discoveries.
The Padrão do Salado, considered a national monument since 1956, is one of the most emblematic monuments of Guimarães and one of the most symbolic works of medieval Portugal.
We can affirm that it is a unique historical monument in the country, for its shape and architecture.
