Guimarães, a city rich in history and culture, proudly bears the nickname “Cradle City”.
Visitors to Guimarães are rarely left untouched by its historical and architectural beauty, particularly in the historic center, which in 2021 celebrated 20 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
However, those who visit are often equally or even more charmed by its people. There’s a strong pride in belonging to this small yet grand city!
The strong local spirit and the fact that locals are found everywhere—whether in tourist spots or hidden corners—make it easy for visitors to experience and understand everyday life in Guimarães.
So, are you ready to discover everything about Guimarães?
Sacred Hill / Monte Latito
The city’s hallmark and the greatest source of pride for all its inhabitants is undoubtedly its Castle.
Remarkably well-preserved, its primary role was to protect the town as a military fortification. For this reason, it is located on the high part of the city, also known as the Sacred Hill or Monte Latito.
However, to visit the castle, there’s a small fee of 2 Euros. Once inside, the best part is walking along the pathways beside the battlements, taking in panoramic views of the city.
Também localizado na Colina Sagrada, encontramos o Paço dos Duques Also located on the Sacred Hill is the Paço dos Duques (official residence of the President of Portugal in the North). It is the most visited National Monument in Northern Portugal. Originally built as a residence, it eventually fell into ruin until Salazar ordered an extensive 22-year restoration, giving it the appearance it has today.
If you look closely at the façade, you can tell which parts are original and which were restored.
Once inside, besides the area dedicated to the President’s official residence (not open to the public), you’ll find numerous rooms displaying tapestries, furniture, and battle artifacts dating back to the 17th century. The cloister and chapel are also worth visiting.
However, a ticket is required to enter, costing 5 Euros.
Inside Tip - To know all about the monuments you can visit and need a ticket, we recommend you visit this site, because the are options to combine tickets and het discounts.
Likewise, on the Sacred Hill, you’ll find the Chapel of St. Michael. Shrouded in mystique, it’s believed by locals that Afonso Henriques was baptized there.
And thus, we end our tour of the upper part of the city.
Historical Center of Guimarães
The upper and lower parts of the city are connected by Rua de Santa Maria, one of the oldest streets in the city, linking the convent founded by Countess Mumadona (now the Igreja da Oliveira) to the castle.
So, along this street, you’ll encounter architectural landmarks like the Convent of Santa Clara (now City Hall), the House of the Arch, the Peixotos’ House, and the Gothic House of Valadares.
At the end of the street, you’ll arrive at the famous Oliveira Square, with its church and iconic Padrão do Salado.
Take a break at one of the outdoor cafés to relax and admire this charming, beautiful square.
Next to the church, you’ll find the Alberto Sampaio Museum, which holds priceless relics from Portugal’s past, including the famous tabard worn by King João I at the Battle of Aljubarrota, which he gifted to Santa Maria de Oliveira in thanks for victory in that historic battle.
On the other hand, crossing the arches, under the watchful eye of the “Guimarães of Two Faces”, you’ll come to Santiago Square. Look closely at the ground, and you’ll notice an area paved with cement slabs instead of the usual stones. This was the location of the former chapel honoring Santiago, which gave the square its name.
Moving on, we head toward Largo João Franco, where we find another of Guimarães’ important streets, Rua da Rainha. This street links one of the city’s seven gates to the Almadas Tower.
At the Almadas Tower, a street connects to Largo Condessa do Juncal, also known as Feira do Pão.
inside tip - Hidden within an office building in this square, you can find a piece of the original wall that once surrounded the town and still serves as a wall for many houses located along the edges of the old fortifications.
However, we’ll take Rua Egas Moniz, also called Rua Nova, toward the Alberto Sampaio Museum. Here, you’ll find one of the city’s most famous houses, the Casa da Rua Nova.
Arriving at another city gate, you’ll be treated to one of Guimarães’ iconic postcard views: the São Gualter Garden with its namesake church in the background.
Thus, we leave the Historic Center to explore beyond the city walls.
Guimarães Outside Walls
Starting from the São Gualter Garden, we head down the Alameda de São Dâmaso, where older locals gather on the benches of the Alameda Garden for lively conversation.
About halfway down the garden, on the left, you’ll find one of Guimarães’ most beautiful churches, the Church of St. Francis.
Nearby, you’ll find the Zona de Couros. Although still undergoing renovation, most of this area, which tells the story of Guimarães’ tanning industry, is now open to explore.
It’s a sprawling and maze-like area of the city, so be prepared to spend a few hours here if you wish to explore it fully.
On the opposite side of the Alameda Garden, you’ll glimpse the famous wall bearing the iconic phrase “Aqui Nasceu Portugal” (“Portugal Was Born Here”).
Turning the corner, we arrive at Toural Square, where you can find some of Guimarães’ oldest businesses—Pastelaria Clarinha, Cervejaria Martins, Café Milenário, Restaurante Oriental, and Casa de Ferragens Ferreira da Cunha.
Crossing Toural Square, you can take either Santo António Street (to the right) or Paio Galvão Street (to the left).
On Santo António Street, you’ll find mostly shops and the narrowest house in Guimarães. We’ll just say it’s on the left side—keep an eye out!
At the end of the street, on the right, you’ll reach Laranjais Square, which leads back to the castle through the famous Trinas Street.
Inside tip - If you are in this street, don's miss and try the tradicional "pies" of Guimaraes, in Casa Costinhas. Ask for a Torta de Guimarães or Toucinho do Céu. Both tradicional sweet from Guimarães
On Paio Galvão Street, you’ll find the former Municipal Market, now converted into the Platform for the Arts. Inside, you’ll find permanent exhibitions by the artist José Guimarães as well as temporary exhibitions.
Inside tip - If you can go and have a look at the platform by night.
Alternatively, from Toural Square, you could head up D. Afonso Henriques Avenue to visit the Vila Flor Cultural Center with its magnificent gardens.
And so we reach the end of this short guide, which allows you to explore nearly all of Guimarães.
If you have a few more days here, don’t miss the chance to explore the surrounding nature at its finest.
For that, check our article Guimarães beyond the Heritage
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