Guimaraes (Portugal) – the most detailed information about the city from a photo. The main attractions of Guimaraes with a description, guides and maps.
Contents
Guimaraes City (Portugal)
Guimaraes is a city in the north of Portugal in the district of Braga. Considered the cradle of the Portuguese nation and is rightly proud of its special place in the history of the country. Guimaraes was the first independent capital Portugal and is famous for the abundance of preserved ancient buildings and historical monuments scattered on the picturesque narrow streets. it one of the most beautiful historical cities of the country, the main whose landmark is the magnificent medieval Castle. This ancient fortress towers over the city for many centuries, protecting it from the attacks of the Moors and the Normans.
Guimaraes is a very beautiful place and an excellent example of the north. Portuguese city. In the compact historical center are atmospheric streets, beautiful examples of medieval architecture and delightful squares with cozy cafes. A number of important historical of monuments was recognized by UNESCO, which declared the city the object of the World heritage in 2001.
- Geography and climate
- Practical information
- Story
- sights
- Video
- Maps and guides
- Comments and reviews
Geography and climate
Guimaraes is located in northern Portugal in the historic Minho region. The city is located 57 km north-west of Porto and 16 km south of Braga. Guimaraes built on the rocky hills in the valley of the river Avi and has a subtropical climate. The summer is hot and a bit wet, and the winter is relatively cool and rainy.
Guimaraes
Practical information
- The population is more than 150 thousand people.
- The area is 241.3 km2.
- The language is Portuguese.
- Currency – Euro.
- Visa – Schengen.
- Time – UTC 0, in the summer +1.
- The nearest international airport is located in Porto, which is about an hour from Guimaraes by bus or train ride. It also has regular train connections to Lisbon In general, the train is the best and cheapest way to get to Guimaraes.
Story
Guimaraes was inhabited in the 9th century. In 1096 he received urban the rights. After a while the city became the capital of the county Portugal. Guimaraes is considered the cradle of the nation by the following reasons: first, it is believed that the first was born here Portuguese king Afonso I; secondly, around the city there was a battle of San Mamed in which the Portuguese won victory over the kingdom of Leon; thirdly, it was here announced independence of Portugal. Guimaraes was the capital of the independent the kingdom is not for long. In 1128 the capital of Portugal was moved to Coimbra.
Guimaraes
Despite the loss of capital status, Guimaraes throughout all its history played an important role. In the 13th – 14th centuries the city was expanded and partially surrounded by a wall that was destroyed in the period reign of John of Aviz. Interestingly, the structure of the medieval the city did not undergo significant changes until the 19th century (except for construction of several churches, monasteries and palaces). Construction of modern streets and buildings in Guimaraes intensified by the end of the 19th century, but the process of modern urbanization held under control to keep gorgeous historical appearance of the city.
sights
The delightful historical center of Guimaraes is centered around Plaza Oliveira, Republic of Brazil and Tural. Most tourists start from this part of the city, as it is closer to train station and is the best place for lunch.
The second most popular tourist destination is Largo Hill, which is north of the center. In this area are most important historical monuments and tourist Guimaraes sights: the castle, the palace several ancient churches. The third area of the city you need visit Peña hill where the cable car leads to and from where a beautiful view of the surroundings.
Castle Guimaraes
Guimaraes Castle is one of the most complete and well preserved medieval fortified buildings of Portugal. This ancient square fortress with powerful crenellated towers already on For thousands of years, “protects” the city. It is believed that the castle was founded in the 10th century. Some time here was located Benedictine monastery. Portuguese consider castle Guimaraes the cradle of the nation. Presumably the first king was born here. Portugal’s Afonso I. Also suggest that he was baptized in a small Romanesque chapel of San Miguel, located in the western parts of the castle.
Palace Bragances
Bragans Palace – a magnificent royal residence, begun in 1401. Built in the style of Burgundy architecture. In 1933 the building underwent extensive renovation to become official residence of Antonio Salazar. Now here is a museum with 16th century furniture collections, as well as Persian rugs, Flemish tapestries, medieval weapons and rare by pictures.
Largo yes Oliveira
Largo da Oliveira is an ancient square that is the historical center of the old Guimaraes and the symbol of the city. She is surrounded by traditional bright houses and atmospheric streets. Also here are some of the best preserved Gothic architectural masterpieces.
Nose Church – Senhora – Yes – Oliveira
Church of the Nose – Senora – Yes – Oliveira (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira) is one of the most iconic examples of Gothic architecture in the north of Portugal. The church “grew” from the ancient monastery, which, in turn, was built on the site even more old romanesque structure. The church has a simple three-nave. structure and stone facade. Bell tower in the style of Manueline The architecture was added in the 16th century. Before the church is magnificent gothic monument to the Battle of Salado (Padrão do Salado), built in the 14th century.
On the charming medieval street of Rua de Santa Maria you can buy delicious pastries and cakes.
Monastery San Francisco
San Francisco Monastery – Elegant Order Convent Franciscans, founded in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 18th century. Known for the magnificent engravings and colorful azulejos (painted clay tiles).
Peña
Peña Hill is the highest point of Guimaraes (620 meters). it great place to walk among the ancient trees and huge granite boulders. The hill is located seven kilometers southeast from the city center and is part of the national reserve. On its lower slopes is the former monastery Santa Marinha da Costa, founded in the 12th century.
Mosteiro deGuimaraes
Mosteiro de Guimaraes – a former Augustinian monastery from the 12th century, which is now located hotel.
Citânia deBriteiros
Citânia de Briteiros is one of the most important archaeological sites in Portugal. This settlement is iron century is located 15 km north of Guimaraes. This ancient city was founded by the Celtic tribes around 500 BC and from the 1st century to AD was under roman rule. Excavations show difficult city network of cobbled streets, underground cisterns, sewage systems, plumbing and even a fountain.
Church Holy Mother of God
Church of the Blessed Virgin (Igreja Nossa Senhora da Consolação) – a magnificent religious building of the 18th century in baroque style. Built on the site of a small chapel dating from 1576 year.
Monastery of St. Torkato
Monastery of St. Torkato – a magnificent structure in style Neo-Manueline architecture with Gothic, Renaissance and romance elements. Built from granite stone which mined in this region. The church has a typical Latin form. of the cross. Here are stored the relics of Saint Torkato.
Video
Maps and guides
Tourist Card
