Tourist Attractions in Guimaraes

 
Guimaraes, in the north of Portugal at the foot of the Serra de Santa Catarina, is reverentially known as the "cradle of the nation", the berco da naçao, owing to the fact that it was the first capital of the newly established kingdom of Portugal, as well as being the birthplace of its first king, Afonso Henriques, not to mention the celebrated poet and dramatist Gil Vicente. Its well preserved old town and profusion of historic monuments and art treasures make it a worthwhile destination for the visitor.

Townscape

There is a welcoming feel about Guimaraes, with so much greenery everywhere. Town life revolves around the Praça Toural, lined with shops, houses and banks and the beginning of the town's main shopping street, the Rua de S. António, but tourists tend to be drawn more towards the picturesque old town, with its imposing granite houses. Many have wrought iron balconies, smothered with flowers, and the finest are to be found in the Rua de Santa Maria, around the Largo da Oliveira and to the west of it.

Read More Largo da Oliveira

The Largo da Oliveira in the old town of Guimaraes is a well preserved square. The key sight is the 12th C church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira.
Picture of Castelo

Read More Castelo

The 10th C Castelo towers above the town of Guimaraes, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Read More Museu de Alberto Sampaio

The Museu de Alberto Sampaio resides in the cloister of a former convent. On display are works by Portuguese artists, along with furniture and clothing.

Read More Nossa Senhora da Oliveira

Nossa Senhora da Oliveira was first built in the 12th C although much of what can be seen today dates from the 16th C. The interior is particularly noteworthy.

Read More Paço Ducal

The Gothic Paço Ducal was built in the 15th C as the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. It was eventually abandoned. In the 1930s it was restored and became an official residence of the president.

Read More Caldas das Taipas, Portugal

(Near Guimaraes)

Read More Capela de Sao Miguel do Castelo

Read More Convento do Carmo

Read More Festas Gualterianas

Read More Festas das Cruzes

Read More Museu de Martins Sarmento

Read More Penha de Santa Catarina

Read More Santos Passos

Read More Sao Francisco

Castle at Guimaraes.Castelo, Guimaraes
Night view of the Castle of Guimaraes.Castelo, Guimaraes
Guimaraes Castle.Castelo, Guimaraes
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