If you like history, castles, monuments, typical alleys and a wall, the choice is the beautiful city located in the north of Portugal. Wall? Like this?
Guimarães is a historic city, with a crucial role in the formation of Portugal, and is one of the oldest cities in the country, with more than a thousand years since its formation, when it was called Vimaranes. Old documents report that the old medieval town was created in 1096 and, because it is so old, the city of Guimarães is associated with the foundation of Portuguese nationality and identity, and is even known as “The Cradle of the Portuguese Nation”.
The city was extremely important for the birth of Portugal as we know it today, as on June 24, 1128, the location was the scene of some of the main political and military events, the well-known Battle of São Mamede, which would lead to independence and the creation of Portugal. For this reason, “Here Portugal Was Born” is inscribed on one of the towers of the old city wall, a historical and cultural reference for national residents and visitors.
When visiting the city, be sure to go to the famous Guimarães Castle, which can be seen in the distance, with its imposing tower dominating the scene. The grandiose work was built in the 10th century to protect the city and was expanded in the 12th century, when it also began to be used as a palace. History says that the first king of Portugal was born here.
Another must-visit is the Doge's Palace, loaded with architectural influences from northern Europe. The building was built in the 15th century and currently the museum and main rooms house beautiful pieces of Renaissance furniture, Flemish tapestries and Persian carpets. The Palace is classified as a national monument and is today used as the official residence of the President of the Republic.
The church of Monastery of Our Lady of Oliveira was founded by D. Afonso Henriques and restored during the reign of D. João I to commemorate his victory in the Battle of Aljubarrota, in 1385. Famous for its ornate Manueline-style tower, the church is also known for a curious local legend according to which an olive tree would have been planted in front of it to provide oil for the altar lamps. However, the tree ended up drying up and dying. Later, a merchant placed a cross at the site and the olive tree miraculously came back to life! Unfortunately, the olive tree currently located on the site is not the original.
When you come to Portugal, be sure to visit this friendly, medieval, welcoming city with the wall on which a nation was built.