Tourist Places To Visit In Guimaraes

Guimaraes continues to be one of, if not the most important of all the small, historic cities that call Portugal home. It is the birthplace of King Henriques, the first proper ruler of Portugal and also has some of the most exquisite natural and historic places to visit. Some of the best include the Oliveira Square, the Guimaraes Castle which is a medieval masterpiece and even lookout point like Serra Penha. The monuments here tend to display a unique blend of design influences from the Gothic, Medieval, Moorish and even Mannerist schools of architecture. It is a great city to visit for romantics looking to drown themselves in culture and history and is equally good for young families where kids can learn so much about the early origins of Portugese culture. There are tourist places here to suit almost all visitors needs and preferences. 

This is one of the best placest to visit to just soak in the history and beauty of Guimaraes. The square is the focal point for the city for all cultural events and social gatherings. It is an ideal place to visit to spend the day with loved ones, just chilling out and enjoying a meal or a cup of coffee from some of the exquisite cafes and restaurants in the neighbourhood. It is frequented by young romantics and families alike and should not be missed. 

One of the most visited and prominent archaeological sites in the city, the Citania de Briteiros continues to draw admirers from far and wide. It is a mysterious location that gives curious visitors valuable insights into the diverse history and cultural heritage of the city. Legend has it that the site has existed since nearly 1st and 2nd B.C. For lovers of history, this is the best place to explore. 

A trip to Guimaraes is considered to be incomplete without stopping by to explore the iconic structure that is the Guimaraes Castle. This medieval masterpiece was once home to King Afonso Henriques, the first of his name. It shows strong influences from the Gothic school of design and is bordered by wonderfully curated gardens. It is a must-visit place, full of character and history and gives visitors valuable insights into the evolution of the city. 

This is yet another Medieval work of art and transports visitors to a different time with its narrow, winding lanes and beautiful historic structures bordering the entire area. It is filled with brilliant shops, restaurants, cafes and ancient monuments which gives it both an old and new-world charm that is not experienced in many other parts of the city. It is a great place to spend a relaxed day with loved ones. 

Another one of the best places to visit is the Convent and Church of Sao Francisco, poignant monument and on with great relevance to the Portuguese uniqueness. It is a remnant of the Franciscan Order in Guimaraes that displays a combination of Gothic and Mannerist design styles that are a dream to explore for design and architecture enthusiasts. 

Nearly 600 meters above the ground, the Serra Penha is one of the largest granite hilltops in the city. It offers visitors outstanding views of the surrounding city and natural beauty. It is a great place to hike up to and enjoy the sunset with family and friends. Landscape photography is a very popular activity from this lookout spot. 

The museum is a wonderous place that displays the cultural and historical evolution of Guimaraes via expertly curated exhibitions which contain fascinating artefacts, artworks and fossils from the in and around the city. It was first constructed way back in 1928. Visitors can learn so much about the city from just a day-trip here. The relics here are from between the 13th and 18th centuries.