A city full of history
Guimarães is considered the birthplace of Portugal because Afonso Henriques, who would become the first king of Portugal, was born here.
Associated with the formation and identity of Portugal, the historic center of Guimarães, in the area that was within the walls, was classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco based on the values of originality and authenticity with which it was recovered.
A Colina Sagrada
The Sacred Hill is considered the monumental site of Guimarães, par excellence, and is home to the three most emblematic monuments and a must-visit.
Welcoming the visitor is the Statue of D. Afonso Henriques, first King of Portugal, inaugurated in 1887 and by Soares dos Reis. The bronze statue, raised on a granite pedestal, represents the Conqueror King in a warlike position, holding his sword and shield with both hands. This is certainly one of the most photographed statues in the country and the most portrayed images of the founding king of Portuguese nationality.
Largo Martins Sarmento (Largo do Carmo)
Going down from the Paço dos Duques de Bragança, on the right side, we can see a chain of palatial houses, with emphasis on the house emblazoned with the Counts, as well as the house where the Guimarães archaeologist, Francisco Martins Sarmento, who gives this square its name .
Martins Sarmento, born in Guimarães, graduated in Law at the University of Coimbra, a course he never took, devoting himself with passion to the study of archeology, where he stood out at an international level.
In the center of the square, the well-kept garden with a fountain in the center and several tree species stands out, where, in winter, the colorful Camellias stand out.
Rua de Santa Maria
Walking through the Historic Center full of streets and alleys is synonymous with immersing yourself in history at every corner. An example of this is Rua de Santa Maria, of medieval origin, and one of the oldest streets in Guimarães,
The street is completely pedestrianized, so you can walk calmly and photograph the facades of the emblazoned houses, the wrought iron balconies and the balconies and carved wood, decorated with vases, among many other details.
In the small confectioneries on the street you can taste the artisanal convent sweets and shop in the various craft shops that appear along the way.
Rua de Santa Maria has some outstanding buildings, such as the former Santa Clara Convent, one of the richest convents in Guimarães.
Praça de S. Tiago
Turning the corner, we enter Praça de S. Tiago. The Tourist Information Office is located there, resulting from the rehabilitation and adaptation of the old stables belonging to Casa do Arco and where you can collect all the necessary information to discover Guimarães.
It is a very old square, referred to over time in various documents. It still preserves the medieval design, with rehabilitated facades, which respect the traditional building materials, decorated with colorful flower boxes and clothes to dry. .According to tradition, an image of the Virgin Mary was brought to Guimarães by the apostle S. Tiago, and placed in a pagan temple in a square that became known as Praça de S. Tiago.
Largo da Oliveira
The town of Guimarães grew up around Largo da Oliveira, formerly known as Praça Maior.
The Collegiate Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira is established in Largo and originated in the monastery created by Countess Mumadona Dias in the first half of the 19th century. X.
The church underwent several conservation and restoration interventions over the centuries, which gave it the configuration we see today. In 1387, in fulfillment of a vow made before the Battle of Aljubarrota, King D. João I completely remodeled the old convent nucleus, investing in the construction of the new church. The Church Tower was built later, in the 19th century. XVI with decorative features of the Manueline style (king D. Manuel I).