Guimaraes

Guimarães is a municipality in northwestern Portugal in the province of Minho and in the district of Braga. The city, also known as the “cradle” of the nation features a medieval castle and houses a magnificently well-preserved historic centre which has been classified as World Heritage site. Guimarães is full of historical reminiscences as it was here that the first King Dom Afonso Henriques won the Battle of São Mamede and then set about building the kingdom of Portugal. The 10th century castle still stands strong with a dungeon measuring 27 metres in height and its eight square towers. Also worth visiting is the Alberto Sampaio Museum in the town centre, displaying many artefacts and vestments from the middle ages including a portable 14th century altar. Guimarães and its surrounding villages set the stage for a host of traditional festivals during the summer months and then in November it plays host to the Guimarães Jazz Festival.