Things to do in Guimarães

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Photo by Sérgio Veludo
Photo by Sérgio Veludo
Photo by Tim Thomas
Photo by Sérgio Veludo
Photo by Sérgio Veludo

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What to do in Guimarães


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#Castelo #castle #Guimaraes #Portugal #History

O Castelo de Guimarães começou por um mosteiro mandado construir por Mumadona Dias no século X, antes, portanto, da formação de Portugal. Como os ataques dos mouros eram frequentes decidiram construir uma muralha para proteger a comunidade e os monges que viviam no seu interior. Foi esta fortaleza que deu origem ao Castelo de Guimarães. Mais tarde, no século XII, foi neste castelo que nasceu Dom Afonso Henriques que viria a ser o primeiro rei de Portugal. Com a falta de uso o castelo foi-se degradando. Recentemente foi recuperado e classificado como Monumento Nacional. É também considerado Patrimônio Mundial pela UNESCO. Um lugar cheio de história e que foi berço de Portugal. Não é à toa que em um pedaço da muralha original tem os dizeres “Aqui nasceu Portugal”.

The Castle of Guimarães began with a monastery built by Mumadona Dias in the 10th century, before, therefore, the formation of Portugal. As the attacks of the Moors were frequent they decided to build a wall to protect the community and the monks that lived inside. It was this fort that gave origin to the Castle of Guimarães. Later, in the twelfth century, it was in this castle that Dom Afonso Henriques was born. Some years after he would become the first king of Portugal. With the lack of use the castle was degrading. Recently it was recovered and classified as National Monument. It is also considered World Heritage by UNESCO. A place full of history and that was cradle of Portugal. It is no wonder that in a piece of the original wall has the words "Here was born Portugal".

Old Town Guimarães

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Unique features of Old Town Guimarães include the historic sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Largo da Oliveira or Antigos Paços do Concelho while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Guimarães

Popular day trips from Guimarães

Frequently asked questions

Is Guimarães worth visiting?
Providing a mix of walking trails and views, there's no shortage of things to do in Guimarães. When you're here, head to Sanctuary of Penha, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Guimarães?
Kick your day off with a visit to Antigos Paços do Concelho and Centro Internacional das Artes Jose Guimaraes. Then, check out different areas of Guimarães for tasty eats and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Guimarães?
Sanctuary of Penha is one of the top tourist attractions in Guimarães and should be high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Guimarães?
Three days in Guimarães is plenty of time to visit the city's major highlights. Many travelers spend three days on average. Sanctuary of Penha, Centro Internacional das Artes Jose Guimaraes and Museu de Arte Primitiva Moderna are highly rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Porto.
Is Guimarães a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Guimarães is a great place to tour on foot. Have fun wandering between Sanctuary of Penha and Centro Internacional das Artes Jose Guimaraes. Then take a stroll through Oliveira, São Paio e São Sebastião, located 0.32 kilometers from downtown, and Costa, which is about 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Guimarães with kids?
Deciding what to do in Guimarães with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Guimarães for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of Mother Nature, there are plenty of things to do in Guimarães for adults including Museu de Alberto Sampaio.
Are there free things to do in Guimarães?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Guimarães is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on hip neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Sanctuary of Penha is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.