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Dear Belen and Ana, I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my trip to Andalusia and Madrid a dream come true. Everything worked perfectly, except for my own mistake with the change of date of the Cordoba day trip. But you wer...

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2024-03-28

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"If any city can be described as adorable, then it is Guimaraes,” according to the Telegraph. The birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, in the year 1111, this UNESCO-listed town is affectionately known as the cradle of Portugal, where the Portuguese national identity and language were born. Guimaraes is just a 50-minute drive inland from Porto.

Enjoy the winding cobbled streets, which boast an abundance of tiny bars and cute cafes. Any visit to the town must include the 10th-century castle where Afonso was born. The 13th-century Gothic keep offers wonderful views of the town. Another monument not to be missed in Guimaraes is the Dukes of Braganza Palace from the 15th century. Converted into a museum, its must-sees are the armory, large tapestries, and the Romanesque chapel with beautiful stained glass.

After exploring the city inside the walls, venture out to the huge and elegant Toural Square, which received a facelift for the European Capital of Culture in 2012. Don’t forget to sample the ‘toucinho do ceu’ and ‘tortinhas’ pastries, invented by the city’s nuns hundreds of years ago.

Guimaraes is also home to several fascinating museums and cultural sites. The Alberto Sampaio Museum, located in the heart of the city, houses a remarkable collection of sacred art and artifacts from the 14th to the 18th centuries. The Centro Cultural Vila Flor, a modern cultural center, hosts various performances, exhibitions, and events throughout the year, reflecting the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

The city’s historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of narrow streets and charming squares, each with its own unique character. The Largo da Oliveira is a particularly picturesque square, surrounded by medieval buildings and home to the Padrão do Salado, a Gothic shrine commemorating a 14th-century battle.

For a panoramic view of the city, take the cable car to the summit of Penha Hill. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Guimaraes and the surrounding countryside. The hilltop is also home to the Sanctuary of Penha, a serene and beautiful spot for reflection and relaxation.

Guimaraes is not only rich in history but also in local traditions and crafts. The city's markets, such as the Mercado Municipal, offer a glimpse into daily life, where you can find local produce, crafts, and delicacies. Exploring these markets is a delightful way to experience the flavors and culture of the region.

We highly recommend including Guimaraes while visiting Northern Portugal. It is an ideal day trip from Porto and can be combined with seeing Braga too. We would be happy to incorporate a visit or stay here as part of your custom private tour of Portugal.