Known as the “Cradle of Portugal,” Guimarães isn’t just another picturesque European town—it’s the birthplace of a nation, a living museum where medieval charm meets modern vibrancy.
Unfortunately, Guimarães is ofter considered a city for a day trip from Porto. It’s combined with Braga and is a full day trip. Personally, I don’t think you can fully embrace the beauty of Guimarães in half a day or even a full day. However, we only had one day to explore so we chose to see the most sought out places first. We missed a few due to an injured knee, but here are the top places to check out if you are there for only a day.
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The Heartbeat of Portuguese Identity
Guimarães holds a special place in the hearts of the Portuguese people, and it’s not hard to see why. This small town in northern Portugal is where the country’s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born in the 12th century. It’s where the battle cry “Aqui nasceu Portugal” (Portugal was born here) echoes through time, reminding visitors of the pivotal role this city played in shaping the nation’s identity.
But Guimarães is more than just a historical footnote. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that seamlessly blends its medieval roots with a thriving contemporary culture. As I wandered through its well-preserved old town, I was struck by how the past and present coexist in perfect harmony. Traditional crafts and modern art galleries stand side by side, while ancient monuments share space with trendy cafés and restaurants.
What truly sets Guimarães apart is its authenticity. Unlike some tourist-heavy destinations that can feel like theme parks of their former selves, Guimarães retains a genuine Portuguese character. The locals, known as Vimaranenses, take immense pride in their heritage and are eager to share it with visitors. This pride is palpable in every interaction, from the shopkeeper explaining the history behind a handcrafted item to the waiter recommending a local wine with your meal.
Guimarães isn’t just a witness to history—it’s a living, breathing embodiment of Portugal’s journey through time. And nowhere is this more evident than in the iconic landmarks that dot the cityscape. The best way to experience Guimarães is through a walking tour with a local guide that can help you experience the magic of the medieval town.
The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza: A Royal Legacy
Our first stop was the imposing Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, locally known as Paço dos Duques de Bragança. Built in the 15th century, this medieval palace serves as a testament to the power and wealth of the Dukes of Braganza, who would later become the royal family of Portugal.
The palace was first commissioned by Dom Afonso de Barcelos, the first Duke of Bragança and son of the future king, João I. It houses an impressive collection of weapons, pottery, and furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries. It was easy to see how the Dukes lived here and used each room. The palace looked and felt authentic to the time, which we just fell in love with. We would definitely tour this place again.
The palace’s rooms are a treasure trove of historical artifacts, from intricate tapestries depicting epic battles to ornate furniture that once seated royalty. The great hall, with its soaring wooden ceiling and massive fireplaces, made me feel like I had stumbled onto the set of a historical drama (squeee!) It even had one room known as the “chest room” that was full of chests that once held silver, plates, and other household items.
Pro-tip: Use the QR code on the sign outside to buy your tickets in advance. The line was long when we arrived but we were able to buy our tickets online and skip ahead. You do have to enter the ticket booth area to get inside the palace.
Praça de Santiago: The Heart of Old Guimarães
Once you have climbed the hill up to Guimarães Castle and the Dukes Palace, head back down the hill to find refreshments in the Praça de Santiago (Praça de São Tiago). You can follow the Rua de Santa Maria that will transport you back to the Middle Ages. You can just imagine the villagers walking these narrow streets to the Cathedral or the market.
The square is lined with traditional Portuguese houses, their facades adorned with wrought-iron balconies and colorful tiles. You can tell that people actually live here and the square is alive not just with tourists, but with locals as well.
At the historic centre of the square stands a simple stone cross covered in an archway. This is the Largo da Oliveira, a reminder of the square’s religious past. Praça de Santiago was once part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, and you can still see scallop shells, the symbol of St. James, embedded in some of the surrounding buildings.
Right around the corner is the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. You can visit the cathedral for €2. We stepped in to see it and were greeted by a very welcoming guide who was open to questions about the church.
We decided to embrace the local atmosphere and settled in at one of the outdoor cafés. We had lunch, ordering salads and local craft brew, which was unusual since Super Bock and Sagris rule in Portugal.
Praça de Santiago is more than just a picturesque spot—it’s the beating heart of the city. It’s a place where history is not just preserved but lived, where the past and present intermingle in a vibrant tapestry of Portuguese life.
Guimarães Castle: Birthplace of Portugal
No visit to Guimarães would be complete without a trip to its iconic castle, Castelo de Guimarães. Perched on top of the hill overlooking the city, the Castle of Guimarães stands as a proud sentinel, its weathered stones a testament to the passage of time.
This was, after all, the place where Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born. The construction of the castle’s imposing walls and towers began in the 10th century and have witnessed the birth of a nation and countless battles for independence.
The castle grounds are just as intriguing and beautiful. The thick stone walls, worn smooth by centuries of wind and rain whisper tales of heroic deeds and long-forgotten conflicts. You can climb to the top of one of the towers, and the panoramic view of Guimarães is breathtaking.
There are Information panels scattered throughout the site that provide fascinating insights into medieval warfare and daily life in the castle. You can learn about the innovative defensive features of the castle, such as its double line of walls and the clever use of natural terrain for protection.
We did not have enough time to explore Guimarães castle and plan to return to learn more about this national monument.
Penha Sanctuary: A Spiritual Retreat with a View
Penha Sanctuary, located atop Mount Penha is a great place to seek a change of pace from the historical sites in the city center. The journey to the sanctuary is an experience in itself. You can choose to take a cable car ride, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, or hike up the mountain if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also drive if you have a car.
At the summit, you are greeted by the sight of the Sanctuary of Penha, a relatively modern church built in the 1930s. While the church itself is beautiful, with its striking modernist architecture, it’s the location that truly takes your breath away. Perched on enormous granite boulders, the sanctuary offers panoramic views of Guimarães and the surrounding Minho region that are simply unparalleled.
But the real magic of Penha lies in the surrounding area. There are many winding paths through the forest where you can discover hidden grottoes and massive boulders balanced precariously atop one another.
For those seeking a spiritual experience, Penha Sanctuary offers a unique blend of natural wonder and religious significance. But even for non-religious visitors like us, the sheer beauty of the place and the sense of peace it imparts make it a must-visit destination.
Beyond the Landmarks
While the main attractions of Guimarães are undoubtedly impressive, there are a few places that you may want to check out.
The Alberto Sampaio Museum is housed in the first monastery build in Guimarães and features a collection of religious art and artifacts provided fascinating insights into the region’s spiritual history.
If you are looking to go a bit further out, the Citânia de Briteiros is located in between Braga and Guimarães. It is an archaeological site that dates back to the 2nd century BCE and continued into the Roman period. It is one of the best preserved Celtic settlements on the Iberian Peninsula.
A Farewell to Guimarães: The Beginning of a Love Affair with Portugal
As we discovered in just one day, there is way more to see in Guimarães than we had time for. However, since we live in this beautiful country, we will return in the winter months to see several places we missed such as Guimarães castle and church of São Miguel, igreja de São Francisco and Penha Sanctuary.
What we loved most about Guimarães was its perfect balance. It’s a city that honors its past without being stuck in it, that embraces progress while preserving its unique character. It’s a place where you can explore a medieval castle in the morning, enjoy cutting-edge art in the afternoon, and end your day with a glass of local wine in a square that hasn’t changed in centuries.
As we climbed into the car to head toward Spain, we realized that we had to come back to Guimarães again. We had missed so much and wanted to experience it all.
If you’ve been captivated by our journey through Guimarães, we invite you to join us in exploring more of Portugal’s treasures. From the sun-soaked beaches of the Algarve to the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley, from the bustling streets of Lisbon to the timeless charm of Porto, Portugal is a country that never fails to surprise and delight.
Listen to our PODCAST for more tales of our Portuguese adventures, where we’ll uncover more hidden gems, delve into local traditions, and experience the warm hospitality that makes this country so special. Portugal is a land of endless discovery, and Guimarães is just the beginning. Until next time, até logo!
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Shelley is a full time traveler, blogger and podcaster currently living in Portugal with her wife, 2 dogs and a cat. She is a former history teacher originally from Winston-Salem, NC but wanted to see what life was like abroad. Now she travels all over Portugal and Europe writing about what she sees and does and tells you all kinds of fun stories on the podcast at Wandering Works for Us.