The castle in Guimaraes.
Guimaraes is located in the very north of Portugal, close to the spanish border. And this is where Portugal was founded as a nation.
Back in the 12th century, Guimaraes was part of the kingdom of Galicia. Southern Portugal was occupied by the moors from todays Morocco. But a man called Afonso Henriques gained independence for Guimaraes. Afonso Henriques went south and defeated the moors. And then founded Portugal as a nation in 1139. Guimaraes also served as the capital of Portugal for a very short period, before it was moved to Coimbra. This is also where Afonso Henriques is buried. His son Sancho, moved the capital to Lisbon, where it has remained ever since.
The old part of town.
Modern day Guimaraes still has a lot of remains from the medieval times. And from the time when Portugal was founded as a nation. On top of the old town, you have the castle where Afonso Henriques was most likely born. Right below it is a little chapel, where he was most likely baptised. There is also a 14th century castle called Paco dos Duques situated on the same hill. It looks very pretty, but it had some restoration done during the Salazar dictatorship that was quite unfortunate. That unfortunate restoration destroyed quite a bit of the building. And this is the one place in Guimaraes that I do not think is worth the entrance fee. But the rest of the old town is everything you would ever want from a medieval town.
The statue of Afonso Henriques.
Walking down the hill, you get to one of the best preserved old towns on the Iberian peninsula. The old houses with wooden balconies are protected by UNESCO and strolling through the old part of the town is really a joy. You have two little squares by the cathedral where you can sit at one of the many cafes and restaurants and enjoy some food and drink. I travel a lot in Portugal and Guimaraes is my favourite place in all Portugal to stop for lunch.
Pretty old houses.
Guimaraes might be a little off the beaten track and far from Lisbon. But if you want to visit a historical place in Portugal outside Lisbon, then I would really recommend that you pay it a visit.
The old town of Guimaraes.
Inside the old castle where Afonso Henriques was born.
