Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal

Guimarães is considered the “birthplace” of Portugal. Located in the north of the country, less than an hour’s drive from Porto, it is one of the most important historical Portuguese cities.

Guimarães, a journey through Portuguese history and culture

Full of very well-preserved medieval buildings, including the Guimarães castle and the medieval wall, the city’s historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. With a harmonious mix of these buildings with charming cafes and restaurants, walking through the streets of the center is truly enchanting.

It would have been here that, in 1128, the battle of São Mamede took place, between the Portucalense County of Afonso Henriques and the troops of the Kingdom of Leão, whose victory was decisive for the founding of the Kingdom of Portugal.

Dom Afonso Henriques, first King of Portugal

Nicknamed “The Conqueror”, legend has it that it was in Guimarães that D. Afonso Henriques was born, who in 1179 would be officially crowned by the Pope, the first King of Portugal, reigning until his death in 1185. Afonso Henriques, after the victory in the Battle of S. Mamede, continued his conquests against the Moors, conquered Lisbon in 1147 and pushed the borders further and further south to the Alentejo, more than doubling the lands he had inherited.

Tourism in the Guimarães region

Located in the north of Portugal, Guimarães is a historically and culturally rich city, often considered the cradle of the Portuguese nation. The historical tradition, combined with the welcoming atmosphere, make it a fascinating destination for those looking for an enriching trip.

With its historic center classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is marked by cobblestone streets, charming squares and preserved buildings that reflect medieval heritage. The highlight is Guimarães Castle, an imposing fortress that dates back to the 10th century. Next door is the Paço dos Duques de Bragança, a 15th-century palace that displays stunning architecture and offers an insight into the noble life of the time. Praça de Santiago and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira are other notable places in the historic center.

Nattrip offers active or contemplative tourism tours around Guimarães and nearby locations. Our tourism services are made up of a range of possibilities and attractions that the city offers. We go through detailed creation and curation processes in our service catalog, constantly evaluating different types of nature tours, adventure tours, historical-cultural options, contemplative city tours, gastronomic tours and much more. Experience the birthplace of Portugal with Nattrip!