Guimarães simply will be the most underrated metropolis in Portugal. While most individuals go to Guimaraes on a day journey from Porto they honestly miss out in the event that they don’t give this historic metropolis in Northern Portugal no less than a couple of days on their Portugal Itinerary. Often referred to because the birthplace of Portugal, this historic metropolis was the primary capital of Portugal. As you wander its cobblestone streets, it’s simple to perceive why it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every stone tells a narrative of battles fought, kingdoms born, and cultures merged.
Guimarães – The Birthplace of Portugal
We spent per week in Guimarães and two full days on a guided tour of the outdated city and Vino Verde wine area. We fell in love with this outstanding metropolis and can present you why it ought to be added to your Portugal itinerary.
Known as Cradle City, Guimaraes is situated in the northwest area of Portugal, only a quick distance from Porto. We flew into Porto after which took a non-public switch to town. However, Guimarães is well-connected by prepare. When returning to Porto we hopped on the general public prepare for only a few euros and have been there inside the hour.
For these arriving by air, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto is the closest worldwide gateway, situated roughly 50 kilometers away. From the airport, guests can catch a direct prepare from Porto’s São Bento or Campanhã stations.
Driving to Guimarães is one other nice possibility. We rented a automobile when in Portugal and beloved having the flexibleness to get round. Car leases are cheap in Portugal, and the highways are well-maintained and simple to navigate.
Most individuals go to Guimarães on day journeys, however it’s value spending no less than two nights in this lovely city in the north of the nation.
Top Things to Do in Guimarães
While Guimarães is usually neglected for the likes of Lisbon, The Duoro Valley, or Porto, you can be shocked with simply what number of issues there are to do in Guimarães. It is the jumping-off level for exploring the Vino Verde wine area, there’s a fascinating outdated metropolis and loads of bars and eating places like its different extra well-known cities, however there are far fewer crowds making it one in every of our favourite locations to go to in Portugal. So, let’s discover the various causes to go to Guimarães, Portugal.
1. Explore Guimarães Castle (Castelo de Guimarães)
Guimarães Castle (Castelo de Guimarães) is an emblem of Portuguese identification and independence and is designated as a nationwide monument. Guimaraes was the birthplace of the primary king of Portugal, King Afonso Henriques, and Guimaraes Castle was the place he held courtroom. It was initially constructed in the tenth century as a fortress and was expanded over time. This fortress is the primary place you must go to in Guimarães to study in regards to the metropolis’s historical past and admire its well-preserved inside.
A towering image of Portugal’s storied previous and cultural heritage, it’s a must-visit attraction for historical past lovers and vacationers alike. Perched atop a hill in the charming metropolis of Guimarães, it was constructed to defend in opposition to invading forces and performed a pivotal position in forming the Portuguese nation.
When you go to Guimarães, be certain to wander via its historic corridors, climb its towers for panoramic views of the encompassing countryside, and immerse your self in the legends of knights and kings that echo via its halls.
2. Walk the City Walls
When you’re completed at Guimaraes Castle, you possibly can stroll towards town centre alongside town partitions. Located in the guts of town, these historic partitions are free to discover. Construction was began by the primary King of Portugal and completed in the course of the reign of King Dinis. Originally it was two km lengthy and the towers had eight gates with 9 towers. Today they’re only a quick stroll alongside a metal platform, however one tower nonetheless stands, and its a enjoyable manner to see the historic middle from a unique perspective.
From the partitions, you possibly can see Guimarães Castle, the traditional Ducal Palace, and panoramic views of the outdated city and its environment.
3. Church of Nossa Senhora da Consolação
From the partitions, you’ll catch your first glimpse of essentially the most iconic image of Guimaraes, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Consolação. Bus excursions make the Church of Nossa Senhora da Consolação the primary cease in Guimaraes, and for good cause. It is an attractive website.
It is the setting that makes this Baroque church so well-known. It sits on the backside of an extended hill with a colourful weaving backyard stretching to its entrance. It is usually thought-about the prettiest church in Portugal.
Entry to the church is free to enter, and the church’s façade and inside are adorned with intricate carvings and azulejos (conventional Portuguese tiles).
4. Wander Through the Historic Center
The Historic Centre of Guimarães shouldn’t be to be missed. The complete metropolis middle is a UNESCO World Heritage website famend for its exceptionally well-preserved structure. This medieval settlement has remained unchanged for many years with structure spanning from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century.
Guimarães Castle stands on the prime of the historic middle and as we moved our manner down via the slim streets we handed the spectacular Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and the picturesque Largo da Oliveira.
In the middle, there are historic landmarks and museums to take pleasure in native delicacies at conventional Portuguese eating places. There are varied architectural kinds, from Romanesque to Baroque, and with fewer crowds than the outdated cities of Lisbon and Porto, we may calm down and benefit from the native ambiance. The historic metropolis centre of Guimaraes invitations vacationers to step again in time and expertise the wealth of one in every of Portugal’s most enchanting cities.
5. Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
Visiting the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza presents a glimpse into the approach to life of the the Aristocracy in the course of the fifteenth and Sixteenth centuries. The Dukes of Braganza have been one of the highly effective households in Portugal in the course of the Middle Ages.
Located in the historic middle, this magnificent palace is likely one of the most visited sights. Travelers can discover the intricately embellished rooms, admire the intensive assortment of tapestries, furnishings, and portraits, and wander via the fantastically maintained gardens.
Note: Photography is prohibited inside. The entrance payment is roughly €6.
6. Stroll Along Santa Maria Street
Running via the historic centre is the longest road in Guimarães, Santa Maria Street. This pedestrian road is a mosaic of medieval structure, historic landmarks, and modern life lined with retailers and cafes.
Walking alongside Santa Maria Street is free and presents a possibility to see iconic sights equivalent to the traditional convents, charming plazas, and the fascinating Largo da Oliveira with its emblematic Padrão do Salado.
City Hall stands on the middle of the road. How usually do you see a city corridor set in a Sixteenth-century constructing that was the previous Convent of Santa Clara? You will move underneath a medieval archway, and ensure to lookup to see the picket balconies and colourful buildings.
Paula Frederico Atelier
Located on Santa Maria Street is a unusual little store referred to as Paula Frederico Atelier. Make certain to go inside to decide up a memento and you’ll take a pottery class in the event you like as effectively.
7. Take the Cable Car up Penha Hill
We took the 10-minute Teleferico (cable automobile) up Penha Hill. This is a enjoyable trip for the entire household, and it presents beautiful views of the outdated and fashionable city.
The price is 7.50 return for the cable automobile, and it appears like you’re heading up a ski hill for a enjoyable journey. Which it’s! A visit up Penha Mountain was one in every of our favourite actions in Guimaraes.
You also can drive up Monte da Penha which we did when going for dinner on the restaurant, however using the cable automobile is rather more enjoyable.
8. Hike on Monte da Penha (Mount Penha)
The panorama of Mount Penha is totally beautiful and there are many mountaineering trails making for an amazing day journey. Take in the views of huge boulders, slim grottos, caves, lookouts, and viewpoints. When you attain the highest, you may also go to the placing Penha Sanctuary.
Penha Sanctuary isn’t an outdated church, however it’s a lovely church standing proudly overlooking town centre.
9. See the Old Tanneries
Known because the Couros Zone (Zona dos Couros), the Tanneries have been one of the fascinating stops on our go to to Guimaraes. Located simply outdoors the historic middle, they provide a singular glimpse into town’s once-thriving industrial middle for leather-based processing.
This space has been fantastically preserved, permitting guests to step again in time and uncover the normal leather-based manufacturing strategies that contributed considerably to Guimarães’ economic system.
Entry to the Couros Zone is free and as you wander via this district, you’ll encounter historic tanks from the MIddle Ages that have been as soon as used in the tanning course of.
You can take a self-guided tour as you observe together with informative plaques that element the historical past of leather-making in Guimarães.
10. Largo da Oliveira
Largo da Oliveira is the long-lasting sq. in Guimarães named after a centuries-old olive tree that stands at its middle. This sq. is a buzz with exercise with road performers, outside eating, and cafés lining the sidewalks. You’ll additionally see the Old Town Hall.
The Alberto Sampaio Museum can also be situated close by containing medieval artwork and artifacts. With an entrance payment of simply round €3, guests can discover a formidable assortment that features ecclesiastical treasures, beautiful silverware, and uncommon items of sculpture and portray from the twelfth to the 18th centuries. The museum is housed in a former convent, including an additional layer of historic intrigue to the go to.
11. Nossa Senhora da Oliveira
While visiting Largo da Oliveira, don’t miss stopping to take in the view of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. This iconic church is a masterpiece of spiritual structure, mixing Gothic and Baroque kinds.
Besides its architectural magnificence, the church is steeped in historical past, relationship again to a medieval battle victory commemorated by the founding of this sacred website. Entry to the church is free.
12. Praça de Santiago / Praça de São Tiago
Santiago Square or Praça de São Tiago is one other picturesque sq. surrounded by Portuguese structure, with colourful facades and balconies adorned with flowers. It is the hub of exercise, providing an array of cafés, eating places, and small retailers.
Here, you possibly can savor genuine Portuguese delicacies or take pleasure in a cup of espresso whereas people-watching in one of the atmospheric settings in town.
13. Sample Vino Verde
While most individuals consider the Duoro Valley when planning a wine trip in Portugal, the area round Guimarães, Portugal is the wine-producing capital of the well-known Vino Verde. Many of the vineyards provide eating, lodging, and excursions.
Quinta de Cancela
We visited, Quinta de Cancela the place we took a tour of this family-run winery and loved Sushi and Sunset with wine pairings adopted by a scrumptious meal.
Quinta dos Encados
We additionally visited Quinta dos Encados for a tour of its lovely lodging overlooking the vineyards adopted by a picnic lunch on historic stone tables.
14. Citania de Biteros
Did you understand that you would be able to go to an historic metropolis free from crowds in Quinta dos Guimarães, Portugal? Citania de Biteros is an historic fort hill that dates again to the second century BC.
Located only a quick drive from the guts of Guimarães, this intensive archaeological website, one of the vital of the Iberian Peninsula’s Iron Age settlements. A stroll via the ruins presents an enchanting glimpse into the lives of the Celtic tribes that after thrived right here over 2,000 years in the past.
With an entrance payment of round €2, guests can discover the well-preserved ruins, together with stone homes, defensive constructions, and communal areas, all set in opposition to the backdrop of beautiful panoramic views of the encompassing countryside. And one of the best half, there are not any crowds.
15. Eat at a Michelin Star Restaurant
We had the chance to eat at A Cozinha a one-star Michelin Restaurant that was divine. It mixes conventional Portuguese dishes with playful textures and flavors. Located in the guts of the Medieval Town, this restaurant feels unpretentious with its mid-century fashionable design and huge parts. (for a Michelin Restaurant anyway).
16. José de Guimarães International Arts Centre (CIAJG)
Guimaraes isn’t all about historic websites, we had the possibility to go to the José de Guimarães International Arts Centre (CIAJG) which is a contemporary artwork gallery. It presents a singular fusion of latest artwork and historic artifacts.
Located in the guts of town, inside the Platform of Arts and Creativity, this museum is one in every of Portugal’s most famed modern artwork galleries and showcases a various assortment that spans African, Pre-Columbian, and Chinese artwork, alongside Guimarães’ personal works.
Admission to the museum within reason priced at round €4, making it an accessible cultural expertise for all guests.
17. Discover the Local Cuisine
Portuguese delicacies is widely known for its range and wealthy flavors, and Guimarães isn’t any exception. At the native taverns and eating places, delight in conventional dishes like Bacalhau (salt cod), Francesinha (a kind of sandwich), and Vinho Verde (a younger wine). The culinary scene right here presents a tantalizing style of the area’s gastronomic heritage.
Where to Eat
We ate at many eating places throughout our time up north. Here are a few standouts.
Cor de Tangarina – This was our favourite restaurant in Guimaraes serving farm-to-table menus. The outside seating is gorgeous. A Mercearia da Zé – Lovely Cafe for espresso and pastries Divina Gula – an amazing spot for pastries, vino verde, and low
Guimarães is a treasure trove of historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence, providing a variety of actions that cater to all pursuits. From exploring historic castles and wandering via the historic centre to savoring native delicacies and attending energetic cultural occasions, Guimarães guarantees an unforgettable expertise. Don’t miss the chance to discover this cornerstone of Portuguese heritage in your subsequent journey to Portugal.