Symbolically, Guimarães is very important in the eyes of the Portuguese people, as it is the place in which D. Afonso Henriques fought the Battle of São Mamede, in June 1128. The significance of this battle is that that Afonso would become Portugal’s first king and the creation of the kingdom of Portugal would be set in motion from this time.
Castle of Guimarães - Guimarães, photo by CMG / PPacheco
Situated in northwestern Portugal in the province of Minho, its historical centre was declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 2001. Upon visiting Guimarães, it is easy to see why it was so declared, and this fact is another that makes it so special to the Portuguese people. It has been wonderfully preserved and the sense of pride its people have for it seems too exude from its historic walls and buildings.
Because of its historical significance, the best place to start is the Colina Sagrada, the Sacred Hill, which is the site in which the battle was fought. Atop the hill is Guimarães Castle, with its 8 crenellated towers, built in the 10th century to protect its people from attack by the Normans and the Moors. Next to the castle is the Romanesque chapel in which Afonso was allegedly baptised.
Guimarães is simply a beautiful medieval city to walk around. Bask in its old cobbled streets and shop fronts and stroll through its various museums. The Martins Sarmento Museum is a good one and is home to fascinating pieces from the Celtic settlement of Citania de Briteiros. Inhabited from around 300 BC to 300 AD, its ruins were discovered in 1875 and many can be found in the museum.
A mere 7 kilometre drive and Guimarães visitors will find themselves at the top of Monte da Penha, where the views of the north of Portugal are spectacular. Alternatively, there is a cable car that connects the centre of the city to the Monte da Penha and in a few short minutes you can enjoy the magnificent views. The sense of history in this part of the country is arguably its best and a must see for visitors.
More information: visitportugal.com
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