Guimarães Historic Centre
Centro Histórico de Guimarães
The “Birthplace of Portugal,” a World Heritage old town with medieval squares, a castle and the Ducal Palace of Braganza.
Guimarães is about 50 km from Porto and is the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king. An inscription on its walls reads “Aqui nasceu Portugal” (“Here Portugal was born”). The historic centre is a World Heritage Site, and Oliveira Square and Santiago Square are surrounded by medieval arcades and granite houses. On the hillside stand the 10th-century Guimarães Castle and the 15th-century Ducal Palace of Braganza (about €5 to €8). The palace’s cluster of brick chimneys is distinctive. You can ride the cable car up Penha Mountain for panoramic views. From Porto’s São Bento station, the train takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Opening hours
Old town open all day; castle and Ducal Palace approx. 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Nearby sights
- Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga
- Estádio do Dragão
- Capela das Almas
- Maria Pia Bridge
- Bolhão Market
- Rua de Santa Catarina & Majestic Café
- Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
- Avenida dos Aliados