Guimarães |
Eat and sleep
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Useful information
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Other opinions
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I had been in Guimarães only twice, so long ago and for a so short time that my memories were minimal.
Reading in VT I knew that I must return, and with the kids studying in Braga I can't find any excuse. For a couple of years it simply didn't happen. Just in case, a little help: Is it there any "El Corte Ingles" or similar in Guimarães? Yes, there is! |
Guimarães Shopping gave me one hour to walk a little across the city. Not bad, but I still need to return with time. Guimarães deserves it!
Historic center
The Castle
It's a landmark to any Portuguese, since it was the cradle of our nationality. In the first visit I saw it fom outside, and it was all. A second visit! Once again without time to enter, but with enough time to take a decent picture. Or two...
Bragança's Palace
St. Miguel church of the castle
Tradition says that this Romanic chapel, located by the castle, was the place where our first king - Afonso Henriques - was baptized. Well... The chapel was built in the 13th century, while the king was born in 1109. Maybe the sink that still is in the chapel was the real one, but... that's up to you. |
Oliveira square
The main square in the historic centre is dominated by Salado monument, but it still shows some more historic buildings, as the church of "Nª Sª da Oliveira" and Domus Municipalis.
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To celebrate this victory the Portuguese king Afonso IV erected this memorial.It's quite uncommon, a non-religious memorial in the 14th century, and it's nice to see that... it was preserved.
Domus municipalis
Santiago square
"Santa Maria" street
Republica do Brasil square
Consolação church
Carmo convent
St Anthony Convent
City Hall
João Franco square
Misericordia
Since the 15Th century most Portuguese cities have their "misericórdia" a religious organization dedicated to help poor and sick people. In Guimarães there's a funny coincidence - Portugal was born in Guimarães, lost the independence to Spanish in 1580, and recovered it in 1640, the year when Misericórdia church was finished. With the building classified as a national monument, that doesn't affect the organization, that keeps working with the same objectives of almost 500 years ago. |
Penha
Forget the church - I wrote about it in another tip. The important detail is the church in the horizon, atop the hill. I didn't go there - it is a good pretext for a new visit - but I know that it has great views over the city, a sanctuary, and it is accessible by a ferry cable. Yes... I left it for the next visit! |