Guimaraes Travel Guide

Guimaraes was the first capital of Portugal, and it is also called "the Place of Birth of the Portuguese Nation". The reason for this is that it was the hometown of the first king of Portugal, Don Afonso Henriques, and many important events that led to the independence of our country happened in Guimaraes. The town is a great place to visit. It has an historical centre with many old houses and monuments.With its historical center declared recently a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Guimarães adds this mark of honour to another title it displays by right, that of birthplace of the nation. Its proud and dominating castle was where Portugal´s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born in the 12th century.

you can see it all n one day and then explore the rest of the region Minho.

Visit the Castelo de Guimarães, it was constructed during the 10th century which was D. Afonso Henriques first house, who was Portugal first king. It's just next to Palacio dos Duques de Bragança, where was the official residences of the Monarchy in Portugal during 1143 and 1910. Both really worth to visit. Besides the Old City the Penha hill where there is a view from all the Guimarães.

Visit the castle in Guimaraes, from where Portugal was expanded by the 1st king D.Afonso Henriques. The entrance is free but you can only visit until 5 pm. Enjoy the views from the city!!