"Birthplace of Portugal" Top 5 Page for this destination Guimarães by nhcram

Guimarães Travel Guide: 158 reviews and 451 photos

Guimaraes is considered the original birthplace of Portugal and it was here in 1139 that King Alfonso proclaimed himself king of Portugal and he chose this town as his capital. In December 2001 Guilmaraes was granted a UNESCO world heritage site.
I actually preferred this town to nearby Braga. It is more relaxed and had a much friendlier feel to it.
There is a lovely town square with typical Portugese houses surrounding it.

Near the castle.

Sleepy square in Guimaraes

Last visit to Guimarães: Sep 2006
Intro Updated Nov 26, 2006
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Reviews (7)

3 tier fountain. Things to Do (7)

The Carmo fountain is in three tiers and was constructed in 1583 by Mestre Goncalo Lopes. It originally stood in the... more travel advice

Toural square Things to Do (7)

We arrived here on a Sunday morning and the place was buzzing with locals. Having been to mass they were chatting... more travel advice

Church of Sao Pedro. Things to Do (7)

Built in the 18th century. Not one of the prettiest churches I have seen in portugal. Building finished at the begining... more travel advice

Square in the centre of Guimaraes - Guimarães

Santiago Square Things to Do (7)

In the centre of old Guimaraes is a lovely old square called Largo de Santiago. It has beautiful architecture with a... more travel advice

Comments (9)

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HORSCHECK Apr 24, 2009 at 3:36 PM

Natalie, I might spend one night in Guimaraes in May before meeting Sonja in Porto. Brilliant photos here. Especially the Toural square looks fabulous.
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blint Feb 17, 2008 at 3:53 PM

I never looked into this place on my visits to Portugal. Looks interesting. Maybe next time!
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iris2002 Sep 20, 2007 at 4:42 AM

Oh cool tips - I shall put Guimaraes on my itinerary as we are in Brage anyway :) x
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nickandchris Mar 8, 2007 at 4:16 AM

Would seem to be an architecturally interesting place. Thanks.
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Raimix Jan 12, 2007 at 12:32 PM

Nice small page! I especially very liked them photo and tip of "Toural square"!
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alucas Jan 5, 2007 at 5:21 AM

Looks an interesting place, and worth a visit.
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sue_stone Dec 4, 2006 at 10:18 AM

Looks like a lovely little place!
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Mariajoy Nov 26, 2006 at 12:15 PM

Ohhhh it looks sooo sunny and warm! Lovely little page hun! :)
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Maurizioago Nov 26, 2006 at 11:49 AM

I've been to Guimaraes loooong ago. I'd like to go back there one day. Ciao!