Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Guimarães, Portugal

Guimarães, recognized as the birthplace of Portugal’s first king, is often referred to as the cradle of the nation. The historic center, with its palaces and castle, is designated a World Heritage Site, making it an essential destination for culture enthusiasts. To fully appreciate the city, a well-planned itinerary is recommended.

Strolling through the ancient streets and squares offers a delightful experience with Gothic monuments, exquisite convents, and grand mansions. The castle to the north served as the residence of the legendary first king Afonso Henriques, and visitors may also take a cable car to Monte da Penha, which features a sanctuary with breathtaking views of the city.

1. Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

This palace was constructed by Afonso, Count of Barcelos, in the early 1420s. As an illegitimate son of John I, his lineage inhabited this grand residence for the following two centuries. Notably, Catherine Braganza, who would eventually marry England’s Charles I, spent her childhood here. The palace showcases courtyards adorned with galleries, Gothic pointed arches, and tall, narrow chimneys resembling columns.

Visitors should take their time to appreciate the rich collection of tapestries, furniture, ceramics, weapons, and ornately designed ceilings and fireplaces.

2. Historic Guimarães

The city’s historic core features narrow, winding lanes bordered by dignified granite structures, ascendant up steep hills, leading to open plazas adorned with magnificent convents, churches, and mansions like Toural and Mota Prego.

This picturesque landscape boasts wrought iron balconies and charming arcades, creating a captivating atmosphere as you traverse the centuries-old cobblestones.

Despite its UNESCO World Heritage status, Guimarães retains its character as a vibrant town inhabited by local residents rather than a mere museum.

3. Guimarães Castle

In the 10th century, this region faced significant threats from Viking raids along the Atlantic and Moorish incursions from other parts of the Iberian Peninsula. Consequently, a castle was erected on a hill just north of the present city. By the 12th century, it served as the heart of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, marking a crucial chapter in the nation’s history. The castle remained neglected until the 1900s when the keep and its seven pointed towers were restored. An animated film about Afonso Henriques provides insightful context for visitors.

4. Monte da Penha

A cable car ride from Guimarães offers access to this impressive hill that provides stunning views of the city from the southeast. The area features numerous terraces and platforms for visitors to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, particularly the terrace surrounding the statue of Pope Pius IX. A sanctuary has been a fixture on this hill for centuries, with the current Art Deco construction dating back to the 1930s. This sanctuary attracts many pilgrims during the summer months, while other visitors revel in the natural beauty of the surrounding woodland replete with granite boulders.

5. Alberto Sampaio Museum

This museum is housed within the convent structures adjacent to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. While portions of the complex date back to the 13th century, including the cloister and chapter house, there is also a funerary chapel from the 15th century and additional monastic buildings from the 1700s. Collectively, they provide an elegant setting for an exquisite collection of sacred art gathered from former monasteries in the region. The museum features more than 2,000 pieces, including stunning textiles, ceramics, sculptures, paintings, and key historical artifacts such as the padded tunic worn by John I during the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385.

6. Largo da Oliveira

Located in front of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, this square showcases the ancient heritage of the city. It serves as a popular starting point for many tours in Guimarães, as well as a pleasant spot to relax at a café while enjoying a coffee or cold beverage. The square derives its name from the esteemed olive tree growing at its center.

Nearby, the Gothic monument Padrão do Salado stands as a commemorative structure erected in the 1300s under the direction of Afonso IV. This pavilion honors the Battle of Salado, which occurred in 1340 between Portuguese and Castilian forces fighting against a Moorish fleet.

7. Rua de Santa Maria

Flowing from north to south, Rua de Santa Maria is the city’s most picturesque and historic street. Lined with elegant architecture from the 15th and 16th centuries, it has long been a favored locale for the nobility and affluent families of Guimarães. Initially, it was designed to connect the 10th-century monastery located at the present Largo da Oliveira with the castle situated above.

The street features numerous historic buildings, including Casa do Arco, Casa dos Peixotos, the Gothic Casa dos Valadares, and the Convent of Santa Clara.

8. Citânia de Briteiros

The northwestern Portuguese countryside is home to numerous iron age settlements known as castros. Occupied since the 9th century BC, some of these sites persisted through the Roman epoch and remained inhabited until the Middle Ages, as seen in the case of Citânia de Briteiros. Perched on a promontory just minutes from Guimarães, this archaeological site spans 24 hectares encircled by dry-stone walls, hosting defensive structures, public areas, bathhouses, and many residences.

The highlight of the site is the enigmatic Pedra Formosa, a monolithic stone bearing intricate Celtic carvings, which was historically used as a burial chamber.

9. Museu Arqueológico Martins Sarmento

A visit to Citânia de Briteiros can be effectively complemented with a trip to this museum located in the solemn cloisters of the former convent of São Domingos. Often overlooked by tourists, it presents a captivating experience. The museum showcases artifacts discovered at the iron age castros throughout the region. For deeper understanding, guided tours are available, elucidating the intriguing Celtic symbols present on the artifacts, which include depictions of sun, animals, and human figures, as well as instances where Christian symbols have been superimposed on older inscriptions.

10. Plataforma das Artes e da Criatividade

Adjacent to the museum, this contemporary cultural hub is situated on the site of the former city market. Its striking architecture is particularly captivating in the evening when its bold facade is illuminated. The center features a permanent exhibition highlighting African, Pre-Columbian, and Ancient Chinese art, generously bequeathed by the celebrated Portuguese artist José de Guimarães. Additionally, there is ample space for multi-disciplinary exhibitions spotlighting emerging contemporary artists, alongside a bookshop, museum, and artist studios.

11. Igreja de São Francisco

While navigating through the myriad churches in Portugal’s historic locales can be overwhelming, this particular church should not be missed. Dating back to the early 15th century, having been constructed following the demolition of its predecessor due to strategic vulnerabilities, the church is part of a former convent. The exterior is relatively understated, noticeable primarily for its intricate tile work adorning the convent’s walls.

However, the true marvel lies within, where the Gothic interior is resplendently embellished with opulent decor, including a lavish gilded altarpiece and a richly decorated archway leading to the main chapel, juxtaposed against the traditional blue and white azulejos that embellish the surrounding walls.

12. Zona de Couros

The streets surrounding Igreja de São Francisco were historically the heart of Guimarães’ leather production. In recent decades, the city has undertaken restoration of bits of the traditional leather-making architecture; most significantly, the tanning pits at Largo de Cidade, which comprise hollow stone cubes nourished by a small water channel. Skins would be soaked in these reservoirs for extended periods, followed by a cleansing stage before being tanned, typically utilizing bark from local Alvarinho oak trees.

13. Church of São Miguel do Castelo

A short walk from the castle reveals a church dating back to the early 13th century. Reflecting the Romanesque architectural style, it is a modest structure with limited openings in its walls, distinguished by subtle geometric designs carved into the granite. The significance of this church is profoundly tied to its history, evident from the numerous funerary stones that adorn the floor, each commemorating knights who perished in service to the castle and are laid to rest beneath the church.

14. Centro Cultural Vila Flor

After the renovation of one of the city’s grandest mansions in 2005, a cultural center was established that the city takes great pride in. The modern section contains two auditoriums, with capacities of 800 and 200 spectators respectively, hosting a variety of events including talks, conferences, and performances, ranging from classical to contemporary music.

Additionally, there is a cutting-edge exhibition space designed for temporary art displays. Visitors can also appreciate the magnificent 18th-century baroque architecture of the palace, the thoughtfully landscaped terraced gardens, and an expansive viewpoint from the balustrade overlooking the castle and old town.

15. Regional Gastronomy

The numerous convents in Guimarães gave rise to a wealth of confectioneries, as nuns traditionally received ingredient donations like eggs on special occasions. The exquisite pastrys such as tortas de Guimarães incorporate egg yolks, almonds, and cinnamon as essential components, while toucinho do céu (translated as bacon from heaven) is a traditional almond cake that relies heavily on egg yolks.

Among savory dishes, papas de sarrabulho offers a hearty mix of various pork products, beef, and chicken, commonly consumed during the winter. In contrast, grilled sardines provide a lighter summer option, and bolo, a circular dough base reminiscent of pizza, is topped with shredded pork. The local sharp vinho verde makes an excellent accompaniment for lighter fare.