Guimarães Medieval Tour

The historic town of Guimarães is associated with the emergence of the Portuguese national identity in the 12th century. An exceptionally well-preserved and authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern town, its rich building typology exemplifies the specific development of Portuguese architecture from the 15th to 19th century through the consistent use of traditional building materials and techniques.

The Largo da Oliveira owes its name to a centuries-old olive-tree planted on this same site. Surrounded by picturesque houses that are typical of the north of Portugal, it is the ideal starting point for a walking tour of the city´s streets. But, in the square itself, there are also a number of interesting features: on the eastern side is a curious Gothic shrine, built in the reign of D. Afonso IV to commemorate the Battle of Salado, where the Portuguese and Castilian forces together defeated the Moorish army from Granada, in 1340. Behind this is the Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Oliveira (or the Igreja da Colegiada - the Collegiate Church of Our Lady of the Olive-Tree), which is the first Gothic monument to have been built in the Minho, under the auspices of D. João I and in fulfilment of a vow that he made in return for victory against the Castilian army in the Battle of Aljubarrota (1385).

Approached through attractive wooded hills in the lush, green Minho region of northern Portugal, Citânia de Briteiros is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Europe and by far the largest and most thrilling fortified Celto-Iberian settlement in the country. The archaeological ruins of Briteiros is an extraordinary proof of the existence of an important primitive settlement of pre-Roman origin, belonging to the general type of so-called "castros" of the northwest of Portugal. Clear evidence of the Castro culture, although heavily romanised from beginning of the Christian era. The numerous buildings of various types offer impressive slopes, and impartial to the knowledge of those so distant people.

Rua de Santa Maria, is one of the first streets to be built in Guimarães, having already been referred to by this name in 12th-century documents. The street is lined with several fine examples of past architectural styles: Convento de Santa Clara (17th-century), Casa do Arco, with a small emblazoned bridge over the street, Casa dos Peixotos, the Gothic Casa dos Valadares, all testifying to the importance that the street had in mediaeval times as the preferred area of residence of the city´s dignitaries: the clergy, nobility and well-to-do merchants.

The construction of the palace of the Dukes of Bragança, its design inspired by that of the typical French manor houses, was begun in the early 15th century. It was commissioned by D. Afonso de Barcelos, the first duke of Bragança and the bastard son of D. João, Master of Avis, the future king D. João I. Because the residence of the Dukes of Bragança was later moved to the Palace of Vila Viçosa, in the Alentejo, the building gradually fell into disrepair over the centuries until it was transformed into a military barracks in 1807. In 1937, restoration work was begun on the building and on 24 June 1959, exactly 831 years after the Battle of São Mamede, the palace was brought back to life in all its Norman-inspired Gothic glory.

Embark on a very pleasant cable car trip that will take you from downtown Guimarães to the top of the Penha mountain. Here, you will find the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Penha, a well-known pilgrimage site. The chapel, built in 1652, served as a Convent of the Imaculada Conceição as early as 1727. While visiting the Sanctuary, be dazzled by the stunning set of tiles and gorgeous pulpit. When up there, discover and explore several caves and enjoy the magnificent sights that the natural viewpoints give you. The Penha mountain offers a wide range of activities: a mountain campsite, a mini golf course, an outdoor exercise area, an equestrian center, a picnic area, pedestrian tracks, restaurants, bars and coffee shops.