Guimarães

It's impossible not to mention Guimarães when we talk about the history of Northern Portugal. It is the historic cradle of the Portuguese nation. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the village retains an impressive architectural and cultural heritage. Discover the birth of Portugal through an unmissable visit a few kilometers from Porto.

Guimarães, a history linked to that of Portugal

Its glorious past dates back to the birth of Alfonso Henrique in 1109, whose nickname quickly became "the Conqueror" or the "Founder". Following his victory against the Moors, he was crowned the first king of Portugal in 1139, also signing the country's independence. Numerous military and political wars followed, of which Guimarães retains several vestiges, just like the old wall at the entrance to the historic center where it is inscribed in white letters “Aqui nasceu Portugal”, here Portugal was born. Today, the village is a must-see during a visit to Porto and tells its past through numerous cultural buildings and its historic center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit Guimarães, birthplace of Portugal

A little jewel of Portuguese cultural heritage, Guimarães is the starting point of a whole story. One day is enough to discover the city's must-see attractions, such as its fortified castle dating from the 5th century. Built on Latito mountain by Countess Mumadona Dias, it was a refuge for many years from the Vikings and the Moors. Continue not far from there to the small Sao Miguel church with Romanesque architecture, where Alfonse Henrique was baptized. The Palace of the Dukes of Brittany is also a symbol of Guimarães with its Gothic architecture with Burgundian influences. Unique in the world, the building has been restored numerous times since the 15th century to become today one of the official residences of the President of Portugal. Guimarães is also known for being the ancient capital of Portugal, and for its Santa Maria street, the oldest on the road to Santiago de Compostela.

Reach Guimarães from Porto

Guimarães is located only 43 km northeast of Porto, a destination easily accessible by several means of transport:

• By train, the most convenient and economical transport from Sao Banto station in Porto. Crossing the countryside and small villages, the journey takes 1 hour 10 minutes and takes you to Guimarães station, a 10-minute walk from the historic city center.
• By car via a rental agency, but this solution is not really recommended. In fact, you will have to go through the center of Porto, which particularly complicates the expedition to reach Guimarães.
• By bus from Porto airport to Guimarães bus station. Lasting 50 minutes, the journey is rather quick and easy, with 9 departures per day.
• By carpooling with the blablacar application, trips often offered in Portugal.

Remember to check transport timetables and book your tickets before getting on.

The must-sees of Guimarães

Visiting Guimarães can be tiring if you cross it in one day, but a few sites are worth a short detour before returning to Porto:

• Santiago Square, located in the old town, is emblematic. Surrounded by stone and wooden houses, it is the ideal meeting place to sip a port and nibble an aperitif.
• The magnificent Largo de Oliveira square preserves some Gothic architecture such as the old town hall or the Collegiate Church, surrounded by colorful houses and open-air cafes for a drink.
• Monte de Penha surrounded by nature, accessible via a cable car. Once at the top, the view is impressive over the medieval town and its thick forest. Explore the Penha forest park before heading back down without taking your eyes off the magnificent landscape of historical monuments nestled in a natural setting.

You now know how Portugal was born and how to visit Guimarães, the village of a thousand stories. Remember to wear good shoes, the discovery of this historic cradle is not the most relaxing in Portugal.