Guimaraes, Portugal skyline: the 34 most iconic buildings and best views in Guimaraes

Imposing building that can be seen from all around. The original structure is largely still fully intact, however they're is no interior to look at, side from the room where the virtual reality experience is held. The wall walk is essentially all there is, however yes still very impressive, with stunning views all around, including it the palace nearby.

Guimarães Castle is the impressive ruin of an ancient fortress, believed to have been one of the first residences of Portugal’s early kings. This stronghold was originally built to defend the surrounding lands and played a key role in the country’s formation. Today, visitors can explore the remaining towers and walls while enjoying a fascinating VR experience that recreates what the castle looked like centuries ago. It’s a great way to imagine its former glory and understand its importance in Portuguese history. Definitely worth a visit — especially if you’re interested in medieval architecture or the origins of Portugal itself.

Nice Castle, short walk around. Lots of history here. 360 virtual tour was cool. If your going to visit, either buy your tickets online or visit the ducal palace first and buy Combo tickets there first.

Interesting ruined Castle with only the stone walls are left. It is a five dollars ticket to get I to the castle and you can purchase it online with some difficulties or you can walk down to the near by art museum and purchase the ticket, although the line for it could be long.

The castle of Guimarães is a must-see and truly impressive, full of history and atmosphere. However, the online ticketing system is a real nightmare: the process is unnecessarily complicated and PayPal is not even available. It’s a shame that visitors have to go through such a complex journey just to get in. On top of that, the central tower was closed without any prior notice, which was disappointing. Overall, the monument itself is absolutely worth it, but the management of the visitor experience could and should be much better.

Guimarães Castle is an absolute must-see! As the birthplace of Portugal's first king, it's steeped in history and incredibly evocative. Climbing the keep offers amazing views of Guimarães, and exploring the battlements gives a real sense of its strategic past. While not heavily furnished, the sheer presence and historical significance of the castle are powerful. A truly iconic landmark and a highlight of my visit.

Bit of a hassle to book tickets (either online or in the palace down) but once in all good. It's a quick visit, do not expect your visit to last longer than 45mins-1hr. Also did the VR thing, with an upcharge of €6 but good enough.

Total hidden gem! Ruins of Celtic village with beautiful hilltop location. Leave the crowds behind, set your imagination free and enjoy. There is tree cover so hot day visit probably tolerable. Snack bar and toilets on site. Uneven footing.

Archeological site on a hilltop. Closed from 1230-1400. 3€ admission. Parking near road, 2 min walk uphill to entrance. Sturdy shoes needed, difficult uneven paths. Map was a bit limited in information.

This Iron Age settlement’s circular huts have drainage systems superior to modern villas. Guides point out grooves where door pivots wore through granite. Wild herbs growing among ruins match those in archaeological pollen samples. Beautiful place, worth a visit.

very peaceful place, and fascinating to visit this ancient city! they give you a brochure with a map and explanations for all the different sights, it is very well done and informative, we learnt a lot!

Pre-roman settlement, one of the largest in Europe. It's out of the typical tourist path, so we have this place all for ourselves. It's self-guided. Maps are provided in several different languages.

I found this site magical! The setting is a woodland on the top of a hill with valley and mountain views between the trees. The archaeology is incredible, with family clusters of round and rectangular buildings inhabited and developed over several centuries. The pathways, with their gutters, are an unexpected delight. We took around 2hrs- and we only left then because they closed for lunch. Ice creams and drinks are available on site and easy parking is on the main road pull in opposite the entrance.

Beautiful site showing one of the most complex Castro settlements right in the culture’s heartland. This settlement is unique in having a road grid that allows you to literally walk the same paths of these Iron Age people. Furthermore, there is an almost complete bath house that is a must see. The reconstructions are quite out dated, however, they still offer a vague idea of what the round houses may have looked like. You are handed a map with some basic information, however, I’d definitively recommend buying the €5 visitor guide for more in depth information as it will enhance the visit significantly. We were based in Braga for this bus and tried to get the number 13. However, a local told us it wasn’t running from the stop it was scheduled to run (there was no information about this at the stop, and this is the stop the tourist info centre told us to go to the day before) from and took us to Central I where it was running from for that day. This meant we missed the 8.30 bus and so decided to get a bolt to the site for ~€13 which was about 20 mins. We then walked 30 mins to the Castro Culture Museum in Briteiros. We then took a bus to Guimarães following Google Maps’ instructions which were accurate (it was not delayed about 15 mins).

Lovely building, I really appreciated being able to sit down in the shade... Place was very empty (which was nice) and offered a respite from both the heat and the crowds. Staff were very kind, especially the lady at the front desk who was very funny and charming. I dropped my wallet and didn't even notice, but she stopped me as I was leaving to let me know the staff had picked it up. THANK YOU!!!!!! ❤️🫶🇸🇪 All in all a good experience, especially if you're by yourself and want to get away for a bit.

5 euro for The musuem and the Ducal Palace. The staffs are very nice, kind and welcoming the moment i got inside. I came at opening time so I have the musuem for myself. 1 lady accompanied me to see where the exhibits are. She was accommodating even though she doesn't speak fluent English but she tried her best to tell me the importance of every room. A lot of artifacts are antiques and of great historical values. Toilet is clean, they even let me leave my bag. They gave me all smiles and goodbyes when I left.

Definitely a must visit. It's a very beautiful museum. Actually it's gorgeous! It's not too big and doesn't take hours to visit. Beautiful art to see!

Excellent museum with very great explanations and abundance of arts from 16 to 18 century on display. I advise purchase a combo ticket for 8€ which includes access to castle, the Palace, and this museum. The museum has a large collection. The staff was very nice as well as when I was not sure of the explanation they were patient enough to explain them to me.

For me, one of the best things to see in Guimarães, although the whole city is gorgeous. The entrance ticket for students is only 1,50€ and gives you access to a beautiful collection liturgical objects, statues, the true coat worn by Alfonso Henriquez and much more. But the ticket would be worth paying even ONLY FOR THE CLOISTER! It is amazing, with tress, columns and a very antique and surreal atmosphere. Give yourself a treat and visit this place.

An interesting museum to visit particularly if your like religious artifacts and art work. However, there is a temporary exhibition of textiles at present which l really liked, but no photography in this area. The staff are extremely helpful, friendly and informative.

Interesting but overly dependent upon religious iconography presumably purloined from the locality with little explanation for the casual viewer as to its origins, meaning or purpose. A sad waste of an hour.

(Translated by Google) An unreal place not to be missed when passing through Guimarães. Excellent place for an exotic stroll among the gigantic rocks which appear to have been placed there by some giant. The art deco style sanctuary is also worth seeing. Worth the detour (Original) Un lieu irréel à ne surtout pas manquer en passant par Guimarães. Excellent endroit pour une balade dépaysante parmi les gigantesques rochers qui paraissent avoir été posés là par quelque géant. Le sanctuaire de style art déco est lui aussi à voir. Vaut le détour

(Translated by Google) A must-see place in the city of Guimarães, easily accessible by car and/or cable car and ideal for a nice picnic. The scenery is superb! (Original) Lugar de visita obrigatória na cidade de Guimarães, facilmente acessível de carro e/ou teleférico e convidativo para um bom piquenique. A paisagem é soberba!

(Translated by Google) Beautiful place with a spectacular view of Guimarães. (Original) Lugar lindo com uma visão espetacular de Guimarães.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful to spend a day with the family in nature, you can bring food as there are many tables with benches (Original) Lindo para se passar um dia com a família na natureza, pode se levar de comer pois há muitas mesas com bancos

(Translated by Google) Very nice to visit with the family! (Original) Muito bonito a visitar em família!

(Translated by Google) Beautiful place for a nice view and visit. (Original) Sítio linda para uma bela vista e visita.

(Translated by Google) Wonderful views, picnic area, public toilets and walking routes. There is parking space for vehicles. (Original) Vistas maravilhosas, parque de merendas, casas de banho públicas e rotas pedonais. Há espaço de estacionamento para viaturas.

Igreja de São Miguel do Castelo is a small, historic church with a simple charm. Its stone structure and setting near the castle add to its appeal. While it’s not very elaborate or richly decorated inside, it holds historical significance and is worth a quick visit if you're already exploring the area.

Small chapel about two minute walk from either the castle or the palace. Inside there is a tomb. The significance of this chapel was its claim to the baptism of the king Alfonzo Henriques, Who is the first king started Portugal. There’s no admission to see the chapel. However the chapel is only open from 9:30 to 5 PM every day for viewing inside. Otherwise you can always view the external construction of the chapel anytime of the day.

24th June is Municipal Holiday in Guimaraes…everything is closed! Thanks google and the municipality of Guimaraes! All looks great from the outside!

So old and authentic. Christian chapel, with Romanesque architecture, dating back to the early 13th century, where the first king of Portugal, Afonso, is believed to have been baptized. Simple stone construction, with floors paved with old tombstones, with a few old stone artifacts and an air of the poor and harsh Middle Ages. Learn more about it before visiting. worth it.

In a beautiful park near the monumental castle and Palace is a beautiful church

The Chapel of Saint Michael (Capela de São Miguel) in Guimarães is a profoundly unique and historically foundational landmark, celebrated primarily for its direct association with the birth of the Portuguese nation. Its most distinctive feature is its traditional role as the baptismal site of Afonso Henriques, who would become the first King of Portugal, earning it the unofficial title of the "Baptistery of the Nation." This direct link to the very beginnings of Portugal's monarchy makes it unparalleled. Architecturally, the chapel is characterized by its simple, austere Romanesque style, constructed from rough-hewn stone, reflecting its very early medieval origins (likely 12th century). Its small, unadorned interior, including a modest font, emphasizes its ancient purpose and humble beginnings, standing in stark contrast to later, more ornate religious buildings. Its close proximity to Guimarães Castle further underscores its deep historical connection to the nascent Portuguese kingdom.

Small but very important Chapel. Note the graves in the floor. Very old, but kept very nicely

(Translated by Google) 15-minute visit, the altar is beautiful (Original) Visita de 15 minutos esta bonito el altar

Absolutely must see for the massive guiding set against the delicate blue and white of the azulejos. Our visit coincided with a concert that evening which brought out another layer of beauty for the church. The acoustics made the experience magical!

(Translated by Google) Magnificent chapel, worth seeing! Wonderful chapel, must see! (Original) Chapelle magnifique, à voir ! Wonderful chapel, must see !

(Translated by Google) WONDERFUL BUILDING WITH A BEAUTIFUL FACADE (Original) MARAVILLOSO EDIFICIO UNA FACHADA GUAPISIMA

(Translated by Google) A beautiful chapel. Full of tiles and a beautiful cloister. Now he helps the elderly with a silo where they care for them and watch over them so they can enjoy their last days. (Original) Una capilla preciosa. Llena de azulejos y con un claustro precioso. Ahora ayuda a los ancianos con una silo donde los cuidan y velan para que puedan disfrutar de sus últimos días.

(Translated by Google) The Convent and Church of São Francisco are located in the parish of São Sebastião, in the municipality of Guimarães, in the district of Braga, in Portugal. The history of the Franciscan Order in Guimarães dates back to 1217, during the reign of King Afonso III, when Friar Guálter, a minor friar sent to Portugal to introduce this mendicant order into the country, arrived in the town. After a very precarious first period, the Franciscans of Guimarães settled in 1271 in a hostel located next to the town walls, where they built a convent. In these early days, the friars frequently came into conflict with the Collegiate Church of Guimarães, which tried to prevent the order from being established in the town. The Franciscan convent next to the walls would not last long, as in 1325 the building had to be demolished by order of King Dinis, as it would compromise the security of the town in the event of a siege. The friars moved to some precarious houses until 1400, when King John I ordered the reconstruction of the convent, in the place where it still stands. The work lasted for much of the 15th century. The apse of the church, which is still the original in Gothic style, was completed around 1461. In that year, D. Constança de Noronha (1395-1480), 1st Duchess of Bragança, entered the Third Order of Saint Francis and, upon her death, was buried in the church. The tomb with its recumbent profile can still be seen inside. The cloister dates back to the end of the 16th century, with its classical profile, and is an important work in the Mannerist style. However, the greatest modification of the Modern Era occurred in the 1740s, when the nave of the church was completely altered: the arches and columns of the nave were removed, creating a unified space of the church-hall type. In the area between the transept and the nave, the three original arches were also replaced by a single monumental arch. Around this time, the new altarpiece of the chancel was created, by Miguel Francisco da Silva and executed by Manuel da Costa Andrade, in addition to several other gilded altarpieces that decorate the church. The medieval remains of the Convent of S. Francisco de Guimarães date back to the reconstruction carried out from 1400 onwards. The most notable feature from this period is the church's apse, consisting of a large polygonal central apse flanked by two much smaller apses. The general layout is thus similar to that of the mendicant Gothic style common in Portugal. The apse's large windows are subdivided by columns and mouldings; the decoration of the capitals and mouldings of these large windows show influence from the Batalha Monastery. Inside, both the chancel and the sides of the apse are covered by ribbed vaults with pointed arches. Other Gothic elements, although lacking the quality of the apse, are the church's main portal and the portal of the chapter house, located in the cloister. The main portal, due to its almost complete lack of decoration and roughness in its construction, seems more like a work from the Romanesque period. The interior of the church has a single nave with side chapels. This space is the result of a major renovation that took place between 1746 and 1749, which removed the divisions in the body of the church, which originally had three naves. A large triumphal arch separates the nave from the transept area, topped by the royal crown and the symbol of the Franciscan order. The wooden ceiling of the nave is decorated with illusionist paintings (trompe d'oeil). The walls of the transept are covered with white and blue tiles from the first half of the 18th century, of uncertain authorship. The Gothic chancel is separated from the transept by a large gilded carved arch. The chapel's pointed vault has the coat of arms of King João I, the promoter of the work in the 15th century, on its clasps. A large, beautifully crafted, gilded altarpiece occupies the chapel: it was commissioned from the carver Manuel da Costa de Andrade in 1743, who made it according to a design by Miguel Francisco da Silva. It was inspired by the altarpiece in the main chapel of the Porto Cathedral and served as a model for others in the region. Between its Solomonic columns are the images of several Franciscan saints. The cloister, an important work in the Mannerist style, was built in 1591. (Original) O Convento e Igreja de São Francisco localizam-se na freguesia de São Sebastião, concelho de Guimarães, distrito de Braga, em Portugal. A história da Ordem Franciscana em Guimarães remonta a 1217, em pleno reinado de D. Afonso III, quando chegou à vila frei Guálter, um frade menor enviado a Portugal para introduzir esta ordem mendicante no país. Após um primeiro período muito precário, os franciscanos de Guimarães instalaram-se em 1271 numa albergaria localizada junto às muralhas da vila, na qual construíram um convento. Nestes primeiros tempos os frades entraram frequentemente em conflito com a Colegiada de Guimarães, que tentou impedir a instalação da ordem na vila. O convento franciscano junto às muralhas duraria pouco tempo, pois em 1325 o edifício teve de ser demolido por ordem de D. Dinis, por comprometer a segurança do burgo em caso de cerco. Os frades mudaram-se a umas casas precárias até 1400, quando D. João I ordenou a reedificação do convento, no local onde ainda se encontra. A obra durou grande parte do século XV. A ábside da igreja, que ainda é a original em estilo gótico, foi terminada por volta de 1461. Nesse ano D. Constança de Noronha (1395-1480), 1ª duquesa de Bragança, entrou na Ordem Terceira de São Francisco e, ao morrer, foi sepultada na igreja. O túmulo com seu perfil jacente ainda pode ser visto no interior. De finais do século XVI é o claustro de perfil clássico, uma importante obra em estilo maneirista. Porém, a maior modificação da Era Moderna ocorreu na década de 1740, quando a nave de igreja foi totalmente alterada: os arcos e colunas da nave foram suprimidos, criando um espaço unificado do tipo igreja-salão. Na área entre o transepto e a nave, os três arcos originais foram também substituídos por um arco único monumental. Por essa época foi realizado o novo retábulo da capela-mor, da autoria de Miguel Francisco da Silva e executado por Manuel da Costa Andrade, além de vários outros retábulos de talha dourada que decoram a igreja. Os vestígios medievais do Convento de S. Francisco de Guimarães datam já da reconstrução realizada a partir de 1400. O mais notável desta época é a cabeceira da igreja, composta por uma grande ábside central poligonal flanqueada por dois absidíolos bastante menores. O esquema geral é, assim, semelhante ao do gótico mendicante comum em Portugal. Os janelões da ábside são grandes e subdivididos por colunelos e molduras; a decoração dos capitéis e molduras destes janelões mostram influência do Mosteiro da Batalha. No interior, tanto a capela-mor como as laterais da cabeceira são cobertas por abóbadas de cruzaria de ogivas. Outros elementos góticos, ainda que sem a qualidade da cabeceira, são o portal principal da igreja e o portal da sala do capítulo, localizada no claustro. O portal principal, pela quase ausência de decoração e rudeza na realização, parece mais uma obra do período românico. O interior da igreja é de nave única com capelas laterais. Esse espaço é o resultado de uma grande reforma ocorrida entre 1746 e 1749 que suprimiu as divisões do corpo da igreja, originalmente de três naves. Um grande arco triunfal separa a nave da zona do transepto, encimado pela coroa real e o símbolo da ordem franciscana. O tecto de madeira da nave é decorado com pinturas ilusionistas (trompe d'oeil). As paredes do transepto são cobertos com azulejos brancos-azuis da primeira metade do século XVIII, de autoria incerta. A capela-mor gótica é separada do transepto por um grande arco de talha dourada. A abóbada de ogivas da capela possui nos fechos o brasão de D. João I, o promotor da obra no século XV. Um grande retábulo de talha dourada, de excelente factura, ocupa a capela: foi encomendada ao entalhador Manuel da Costa de Andrade em 1743, que o realizou de acordo com o desenho de Miguel Francisco da Silva. É inspirado no retábulo da capela-mor da Sé do Porto e serviu de modelo para outros da região. Entre suas colunas salomônicas estão as imagens de vários santos fransciscanos. A partir de 1591 foi construído o claustro, uma importante obra em estilo maneirista.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful on the outside (Original) Bonito por fuera

This 15th century church is marvelous and a beauty of the architecture. We were not able to visit the church from inside as it was closed, but it had a quite a stance in the middle of the market. There is a ancient monument just outside it with a cross within it. Overall a magnificent structure and well preserved.

A stunning Gothic church rich with history and atmosphere. Beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings in the old town. A must-visit landmark when exploring Guimarães!

It is located on Largo de Oliveria. It is definitely an amazing church. Not just it is a part of the culture but architecture wise it is also amazing. Inside of the church is another story. You will be impressed for sure. You can spend lots of time inside by embracing serenity and peace. Recommended strongly!

I can’t go inside because it’s Mass time. I stand and watch from the outside, took some photos, feel great to be there. I ask them about coin souvenir for selling, but they don’t have it, so sad in minute.

Great & beautifully designed ☺️

I love this church. Such a beautiful arches and even the old fire alarm box that used to be connected to the bells.

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira (Church of Our Lady of the Olive Tree) in Guimarães is a deeply unique and historically resonant landmark, central to the city's identity as the birthplace of Portugal. What sets it apart is its Gothic architecture and its profound connection to King John I and the Battle of Aljubarrota, as he ordered its reconstruction in the late 14th century as a vow of thanks for the Portuguese victory. This makes it a significant symbol of Portuguese independence. Adding to its distinctiveness is the "Legend of the Olive Tree", which gives the church its name. According to tradition, an ancient olive tree in front of the church miraculously revived after being cut down, leading to the placement of the Padrão do Salado (a Gothic shrine commemorating the Battle of Salado) right outside its doors. The church's interior features notable 18th-century altarpieces and a revered image of Our Lady of Oliveira. This blend of historical significance, architectural evolution, and local legend makes Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira a truly singular site.

(Translated by Google) A museum and cultural space that was part of the Textile Art Biennial, with an exhibition by 10 resident artists. Upon entering, we were welcomed by the museum staff and accompanied throughout the tour by a super friendly volunteer from the Biennial, who explained the different pieces that were part of the exhibition and the previous work. (Original) Um museu e espaço cultural que fez parte da Bienal de arte textil, com mostra de 10 artistas residentes. No ingresso fomos recebidas por o pessoas do museu e acompanhadas durante todo o percorrido por uma voluntária super simpática da Bienal, quem explicou as diferentes peças que faziam parte da mostra e do trabalho prévio.

(Translated by Google) Visiting time: first half of April 2025 The monastery was thoroughly transformed into a hospital in the 19th century, and only the church, sacristy and cloister remain of the original building. A neoclassical hospital that combines the church, sacristy and cloister of the old Capuchin monastery and other buildings, built from scratch. It is nice to visit because of the beautiful facade. (Original) Vreme posete: prva polovina aprila 2025. god. Manastir je temeljno transformisan u bolnicu u XIX veku, a od originalne zgrade su ostali samo crkva, sakristija i klaustar. Neoklasična bolnica koja objedinjuje crkvu, sakristiju i klaustar starog kapucinskog samostana i druge građevine, izgrađene od nule. Lepo je posetiti i zbog prelepe fasade.

(Translated by Google) Located near Guimarães Castle, it is owned by the Misericórdia de Guimarães. It can be visited from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00. The Museum Tour costs 2 euros and allows visitors to explore the corridors, courtyards and cloister, as well as the convent church, high choir and its magnificent 18th century sacristy. There is also access to a small exhibition with some religious pieces. Don't miss it. Religious, Mannerist, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical architecture. Convent built in the 17th century and extensively transformed into a hospital in the 19th century, with only the original church, sacristy and cloister of the original building remaining. Baroque church with a longitudinal plan, with endonarthex, single nave covered by a lunette vault and rectangular chancel. Main façade framed by pilasters at the corners, topped by a backrest with a small building in the centre, with the image of Our Lady of the Conception, with the arms of the Franciscan Order on the corbel. Three round arched openings open on the first register and a large window flanked by small buildings, with the images of Saint Francis and Saint Anthony, on the second register. Endonarthex opened by three full arches, supported by strong pillars. Interior covered by a stuccoed vault with crossbars and granite slab flooring. Walls decorated with ashlar tiles from the Joanine period, monochrome blue, with figurative panels with histories. Eucharists: Saturday - 4:30 pm and Sundays - 12:15 pm. (Original) Situado nas proximidades do Castelo de Guimarães, é propriedade da Misericórdia de Guimarães. Pode ser visitado de terça a sábado, das 10:00h às 13:00h e das 14:00h às 18:00h. O Percurso Museológico tem o custo de 2 euros e permite percorrer os corredores, pátios e claustro, bem como a Igreja do convento, alto coro e a sua magnífica sacristia do Séc. XVIII. Há acesso ainda a uma pequena exposição com algumas peças religiosas. Não deixar de visitar. Arquitetura religiosa, maneirista, barroca, rococó e neoclássica. Convento construído no séc. XVII e profundamente transformado em hospital no séc. XIX, subsistindo apenas a primitiva igreja, sacristia e claustro do edifício original. Igreja barroca de planta longitudinal, com endonártex, nave única coberta por abóbada de lunetas e capela-mor retangular. Fachada principal enquadrada por pilastras nos cunhais rematada por espaldar recortado com edícula ao centro, com a imagem de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, possuindo na mísula as armas da Ordem Franciscana. Três vãos de arco de volta perfeita abrem-se no primeiro registo e janelão recortado ladeado por edículas, com as imagens de São Francisco e Santo António, no segundo. Endonártex aberto por três arcos plenos, assentes em fortes pilares. Interior coberto por abóbada estucada de cruzaria e pavimento em laje de granito. Paredes decoradas por silhar de azulejos joaninos monocromos a azul, com painéis figurativos historiados. Eucaristias: Sábado - 16:30 e Domingos - 12:15.

(Translated by Google) Disentailed, like all monasteries in Portugal. It's worth entering, just two euros a ticket. You visit a small cloister, lower and upper, the upper choir, and the church, where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and where masses are held on weekends. I climbed up to the bell tower; I don't know if it's authorized, but the door leading to a tiny passageway with stairs was open. (Original) Desamortizado, como todos los monasterios de Portugal. Vale la pena entrar, sólo dos euros el ticket. Visitas un pequeño claustro, inferior y superior, el coro alto, y la Iglesia, donde permanece expuesto en Santísimo y hay misas los fines de semana. Yo subí hasta el campanario, no sé si está autorizado, pero estaba abierta la puerta que da a un minúsculo pasadizo con escaleras.

(Translated by Google) Convent of Santo António dos Capuchos. Opening hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Adult entry: €2 Open every day The Museum Tour of the Convent of Santo António dos Capuchos was created by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Guimarães in 2008, as a result of its concern for the conservation and enhancement of its artistic and cultural heritage. Located on the Sacred Hill, it occupies the space of a building built as a convent in the 17th century and purchased by the Misericórdia in 1842 to house its Hospital. Some of the institution's movable heritage is on display, while visitors are invited to walk through the corridors, courtyards and cloister of the imposing building, as well as visit the convent's church and its magnificent 18th century sacristy. (Original) Convento de Santo António dos Capuchos. Horário 10.00h - 17.00h Entrada adulto: 2€ Aberto todos os dias O Percurso Museológico no Convento de Santo António dos Capuchos foi criado pela Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Guimarães em 2008, como resultado da preocupação pela conservação e valorização do seu património artístico e cultural. Situado em plena Colina Sagrada, ocupa espaço do edifício construído como convento no séc. XVII, e comprado pela Misericórdia em 1842 para aí instalar o seu Hospital. Expõe-se algum património móvel da Instituição, ao mesmo tempo que os visitantes são convidados a percorrer os corredores, pátios e claustro do imponente ediício, bem como visitar a Igreja do conventoe a sua magnífica sacristia do séc. XVIII.

(Translated by Google) We attended the 10th edition of the Iberian International Organ Festival in this church and it was phenomenal. I highly recommend a visit, the pipe organ has been completely restored and the sound is sublime. We are immediately transported to another time. (Original) Assistimos à 10ª edição do festival internacional do órgão ibérico nesta igreja e foi fenomenal. Aconselho vivamente a visita, o órgão de tubos está completamente restaurado e o som ésublime. Somos logos transportados para outros tempos.

(Translated by Google) We bought the €18 pass that included several museums in Guimarães, including this convent, but it's always closed, and they don't answer the phone, and it's impossible to get information! You can see the outside of the church, which is free because it's next to the hospital... (Original) Compramos o passe de 18€ que incluía vários museus em Guimarães incluindo este Convento mas está sempre fechado e não atendem o telefone nem é possível obter informações! Pode se ver o exterior da igreja que é de graça pois fica ao lado do hospital...

A beautiful historic church providing a unique experience to climb the tower of the church to get a panaromic view of the city and the garden just in front of the church. The church itself is very beautiful and have tinted colorful glass windows. This is a very old church which is well maintained and is located at the city center.

Attractive church in town, the building surrounded by beautiful landscape , flowers, mountains, garden and ancient buildings. There’s clearly seen from farther away, feel magical places like go back in medieval time.

A beautiful church in the heart of the historic district where Portugal was born. Beautiful garden leading to church. Happened to visit while they were conducting a burial service and it was magical to observe the culture.

A beautiful and peaceful place with the possibility of personal relaxation with the beauty of the blooming flowers. It all depends on the local traffic situation, as there are roads between the planted flowers. Unfortunately, due to the drought, the local fountain is not working either. You can't see it in the photo - it would spoil the shot

One of the most beautiful churches of Guimaraes and Portugal. For me it is all about the simplicity and the architecture of the garden next to it

You can’t give anything else in five-star to the church. Of world-class surrounding beautiful old city, very authentic atmosphere.

There's a very nice man there that tells you the stairs and places you can go up. It's only 1 euro so it's totally worth it. You can visit the church for free

Very cool square. Shops and restaurants all around. Free parking about 1km walk away.

This gothic monument is there at the middle of the street near the bustling market and is magnificent. The architecture is marvelous and it shows the typical artwork of the people of those times with quite a intricate designs. There is a cross at the center of it.

Padrão do Salado, in Gothic style...Underneath the pattern is the Norman cross offered by the Guimarães merchant Pero Esteves, residing in Lisbon. The cross, made of limestone, was initially gilded and polychromed. It has on one face Christ Crucified and on the other the Virgin. At the base, it presents images of saints. It commemorates, according to tradition, the Battle of Salado fought in 1340 against the Moors in southern Spain. In this battle, Alfonso XI of Castile requested support from the Portuguese king Alfonso IV.

This statue looks very magical even though it is 2025.

Nice little square in Guimaraes to sit and watch the locals go by.

Beautiful monument in the city center of Guimaraes.

Beautiful part of town with lots of good restaurants and shops to explore

Fantastic collection of significant artifacts - must see if ancient history is your thing...plus the convent setting is historically significant in itself. Had the place to ourselves, even though it was a Saturday.

Fascinating artifacts from (mainly) local sites, from the Stone Age to modern times. The Stone Age tools are among the best I’ve seen. Gallery of local artists was nice too. Be sure to visit the Citânia Briteiros where many of the artifacts came from.

In short, NICE. However, not something extraordinary. Worth visiting once though. The library is free to enter. The museum cost like 3 Euros. Backyard (garden) was quite a surprise. It's right in the centre and easy to cover in around one hour.

Underrated but impressive collection and impressive architecture of the building. Great harmony between old Convent with the new wing.

A hidden gem in the heart of a culturally-impoverished historical town. Beautiful building, holding a jaw-dropping small library - of free, public access. The place is in dire need for public funding, please help to support by donating or registering as a member.

Excellent and very informative helpful staff

Exhibits were labeled or curated that well. Very general and thrown together

It is said that this is the place of formation of Portugal. There is just a old wall of a fort along which the city is spread. This is the only part of the ancient civilization that is still there signifying the this important location in the country's history.

This is where Portugal was Born is actually the Tower of the Customs House. It's part of the walls into the old city of Guimarães.

Guimarães has a significant historical importance due to the role it played in the foundation of Portugal. The city is often referred to as the "birthplace of Portugal" or "the cradle city" (Cidade Berço in Portuguese) because it is widely believed that Portugal's first King, Afonso Henriques, was born there, and also due to the fact that the Battle of São Mamede – which is considered the seminal event for the foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal – was fought in the vicinity of the city.[2]

Here in 1128 some of the main political and military events took place, which would lead to independence and the birth of a new Nation. The city of Guimarães is historically associated with the foundation of Portuguese nationality and identity. For this reason, it is inscribed in one of the towers of the old city wall "Here was born Portugal", a historical and cultural reference for national residents and visitors.

It is a wall with the words Aqui Nasceu Portugal written high up. The wall looks like either the battlements of a castle or possibly a former city wall. The wall could be more modern than either. The important point is that Portugal was born here in Guimaraes because it was the first capital of Portugal and the birthplace of King Afonso Henriques in 1112 and he vanquished The Moors in 1139 at the battle of Ourique, after which he was proclaimed King of Portugal by his troops.

Portugal was born here! A small town very interesting.

Symbolic but too much city for my taste.

Remnants of the old tannery. You can see the tanks where the leather was processed.

Very well preserved tannery. Luckily not over-restaurated. Very authentic, photogenetic and interesting neighbourhood.

(Translated by Google) A place with a lot of memory. I hope it can be recovered soon and transformed into a museum or some place commemorating the great efforts of the working class. Too much history that must be told and more here where Portugal was born. The stream that carried water to each leather washing cell is still preserved. Simply spectacular. (Original) Un lugar con mucha memoria. Espero que pueda ser recuperado dentro de poco y que se transforme en un museo o algún lugar conmemorativo al gran esfuerzo de la clase trabajadora. Demasiada historia que debe ser contada y más aquí donde nació Portugal. Aún se conserva el riachuelo que llevaba el agua a cada celda de lavado de cuero. Simplemente espectacular.

(Translated by Google) These tanks were intended for the treatment, washing, dyeing and drying of leather, mainly to make clothes. Outside the city walls, these tanks date back to the Middle Ages, maintaining this trade for many centuries, so many that until the middle of the 20th century, their work did not decline, because of the pains involved. A small factory was still operating, but it closed in 2005, putting an end to this activity in the area, forever. (Original) Estes tanques, estaban destinados a o tratamento, lavado, tinguido e secado de coiros, pra facer principalmente roupa. Extramuros da cidade, estes tanques, datarían da idade media, manténdose este oficio, durante moitos séculos, tantos que ata mediados do século XX, non decaiu o seu traballo, por mor das penosidades de este. Ainda seguiu funcionando unha pequena fábrica, pero pechou no ano 2005, pondo fin a esta actividade na zona, pra sempre.

(Translated by Google) It's an interesting heritage site, but it needs more explanation. It's lacking information. But it's part of this medieval city, with flowing water and a pleasant sound. (Original) É interessante como patrimônio, mas precisava de mais explicações sobre. Falta informação. Mas é parte dessa cidade medieval, tem uma água correndo, com barulho agradável..

…nicer at the pics at it is ☹️

(Translated by Google) Site of the old tanning plant in the city. The tanks and the washing and water transport system are preserved. It is well worth a visit. (Original) Local da antiga curtição dos couros na cidade. Estão preservados os tanques e o sistema de lavagem e transporte de água. Vale muito a pena uma visita.

26 May 2025, Me and my wife were visiting the Guimaraes town, and walk through the Rua de Santa Maria. It like we are coming in medieval time. Very impressive experience in Portugal.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful street in the center of the old town. (Original) Magnifique rue du centre de la vieille ville.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful street, like most of the old town (Original) Preciosa calle, como la mayoría del casco antiguo

It's an amazing construction and is beautifully set into manicured gardens just outside Braga. It is lovely to walk around and is a site that visitors to Fatima include in their itenary. Tough going in a wheelchair, but you can get into the main church. If you do visit and you have a car, go the extra few km up the hill to Samiero.

Bom Jesus do Monte – A Must-See in Portugal Bom Jesus do Monte is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression. The moment you arrive, you’re struck by the majestic baroque stairway, beautifully designed with fountains, statues, and intricate details at every level. Climbing it feels like a journey both physical and spiritual, with breathtaking views as a reward at the top. The sanctuary itself is stunning, set against a backdrop of lush greenery, and the panoramic views over Braga are unforgettable. Whether you walk up the grand staircase or take the funicular, the experience is equally special. It’s not just a religious site but also a place of serenity, history, and beauty—perfect for reflection, photography, or simply soaking in the atmosphere. For me, visiting Bom Jesus do Monte was a magical experience and one I would highly recommend to anyone exploring Portugal.

We only visited this beautiful place in passing. One of Portugal's most famous pilgrimage sites, it is famous for its monumental baroque, serpentine staircase. And from the top of the hill you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city. The world's oldest cable car with a water-balanced system still operates here, the ride itself is not a spectacular experience, but we tried it on the way down. We couldn't take a photo of the stairs from the angle below, because the funicular starts much further down and goes to the top of the stairs, so you have to walk down the stairs (or walk up a lot from the bottom) to the right position. It is worth walking a little higher up, where there is a very nice park with lots of trees and a boating lake.

Climbing the monumental staircase of Bom Jesus do Monte is an incredible experience — each terrace lined with real-size statues and symbolic fountains tells a story. The view from the top is breathtaking, and the surrounding gardens are peaceful and beautifully kept. A perfect mix of faith, art, and nature — absolutely worth the visit!

Since it’s a spiritual journey, it’s really nice to walk up on foot and follow the depicted path of Jesus. Entry to Bom Jesus was free, and it’s clearly a popular spot for weddings – we happened to arrive just as a bride was walking out, which gave us the chance to look inside the church. On the way back, we took the funicular for €2.50, which felt very fair. 👍

Took number 2 bus from the city center. My suggestion is to ride the funicular up and walk down the stairs if possible. If you take funicular both ways, you will miss some amazing views. This place is a must if you are in the area. Short day trip from Porto. You have to pay a small fee to use the toilet but it's very clean.

Highly recommend! What a beautiful UNESCO site. The stairs and the pilgrimage story behind it is beautiful. Funicular was a quick short ride. Ice cream places and hotels around. Loved the boating experience at the lake.

The Braga Cathedral is not just the oldest in Portugal — it’s the spiritual and cultural anchor of a city deeply rooted in history. Located at the gateway to the historic center, the cathedral’s Romanesque façade, adorned with Gothic and Baroque flourishes, immediately sets a tone of grandeur. During our visit, which coincided with Semana Santa (Holy Week), the experience gained an almost cinematic quality. The air was filled with the sound of processions, traditional chants, and the solemn echo of footsteps over ancient stones. Braga lives and breathes its Catholic traditions, and nowhere is this more visible than around the cathedral during such times. The interior reveals layers of devotion across centuries: richly adorned chapels, striking altars, and quiet spaces for reflection. Yet many visitors bypass one of the cathedral’s most precious treasures — the Cathedral Treasure Museum, which houses artifacts of enormous historical weight, including the cross used in the first Mass in Brazil. These pieces are displayed with reverence and are worth the detour. In the rear of the cathedral, the tombs of Henry of Burgundy and Teresa of León, the parents of Portugal’s first king, offer a moment of silence and historical grounding. This place is more than a monument; it’s a living archive of Portuguese identity. While the structure and ambiance are majestic, the lack of clear interpretative material can limit the experience for those unfamiliar with the site’s depth. A guided tour or audio guide is strongly recommended to fully appreciate what this space represents. Braga Cathedral is a must-see — not only for its architectural and religious significance but also for its role as a stage for the city’s most cherished traditions. Witnessing the Holy Week ceremonies here adds a layer of enchantment that transcends the physical space. It’s in those processions, candlelit nights, and local devotion that the true soul of Braga is revealed.

Impressive in terms of history, antiquity and exterior architecture. The entrance well guarded by a somewhat aggressive parishioner, who did not allow us to take a look inside at six in the evening, when we arrived from Porto, because the religious service for the locals was about to begin. On our next visit to Portugal, I hope we will have better luck with the parishioner and see the interior as well.

The Catedral da Sé de Braga is one of the most beautiful Catholic complexes in all of Portugal. The main altar is a stunning masterpiece of art, and the museum is equally impressive, filled with gorgeous rooms and sacred artworks. Our guide shared the fascinating story of Saint Frutuoso while showing us the church, which made the visit even more meaningful. I highly recommend visiting this incredible place!

This cathedral is very interesting, especially if you are fond if Baroque architecture. There is also one very interesting gothic chapel. When we arrived it was closed for lunch (12-14.30 I believe). We paid for the 4 euro ticket which allowed access to all but the museum. Visit took about 45 minutes including 10-15 minute wait for the guided tour. Friendly and knowledgeable guides.

The most amazing organ you will probably ever find in a Cathedral. Old, classic and well maintained. A must see, you won't be disappointed. Washrooms and lockers are also available. Tickets were very reasonable.

The Braga Cathedral, Santa Maria, is one of Portugal’s most important religious landmarks. Its mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles makes every corner fascinating. Inside, the ornate chapels, sacred art, and peaceful atmosphere create a moving experience — a true spiritual heart of Braga.

This is the oldest national cathedral in Portugal, predating the foundation of the country itself. Construction began around 1070, and the cathedral was consecrated in 1089. Over the centuries, it has absorbed a variety of architectural styles — from Romanesque to Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque — reflecting the artistic transitions of each period. Notable features include the tombs of Count Henry and Teresa of León, the Baroque high choir and organ, the Manueline main chapel, the cloisters, and several richly decorated Baroque chapels such as the Chapel of the Kings, the Chapel of Glory, and the Chapel of São Geraldo. As the seat of the Archdiocese of Braga, it has long served as the religious center of northern Portugal and is considered one of the foundational Christian landmarks of the Iberian Peninsula.

On google map said its open but IT IS CLOSED!!😤😤😤😤😤 i am just right now 17.27 h.

This place is not was it was time ago. Now they installed spikes to hurt birds and they not respect nature. Nature is very important in Portugal. I do not recommend this place.

A hidden gem of the city - definitely worth going up to the choir!

Nice

(Translated by Google) Beautiful garden, beautiful church. The simplicity of the outside reserves the charm of the grandeur inside. (Original) Lindo jardim, linda a igreja. A singeleza de fora, reserva o encanto da imponência interior.

(Translated by Google) Time of visit: first half of April 2025. The construction of the Karmo church and monastery began at the end of the 17th century and bears witness to the Baroque style. The monastery was dedicated to Saint Teresa, although its founder is unknown. With the official dissolution of the religious orders, the Church and the monastery became the property of the state, with use for military purposes. From the second half of the 19th century onwards, the current house, Dom Sveta Estefanija, was located in the building. (Original) Vreme posete: prva polovina aprila 2025. god. Izgradnja crkve i manastira Karmo počela je krajem XVII veka i svedoči o baroknom stilu. Manastir je bio posvećen Svetoj Terezi, iako je njegov osnivač nepoznat. Zvaničnim gašenjem verskih redova, Crkva i manastir su prešli u vlasništvo države, sa upotrebom u vojne svrhe. Od druge polovine XIX veka pa nadalje, u zgradi se nalazila sadašnja kuća Dom Svete Estefanije.

(Translated by Google) A beautiful church in Guimarães. The exterior features beautiful, typical Portuguese tilework and a charming square in front. The interior features refined woodwork and gold-plated paintings typical of the Baroque period. It is in excellent condition. (Original) Uma bela igreja em Guimarães. Do lado de fora tem um azulejo de parede lindo e típico de Portugal com uma praça muito charmosa a frente. O interior tem refinados trabalhos de madeira e pinturas com muito ouro típicos do barroco. Em excelente estado de conservação.

Decent, well balanced meal, with salad, beef, beans, rice, fries and drink. Friendly, helpful service at the counter, too.

It's looked small shopping center but it's has nice parking area and something which made it unique! Behind the Minho shopping center you can load fresh mineral water, which is checked and very healthy.

Beautiful to see If you're planning on visiting Braga

Okay stores, small food court and plenty of parking.

Very nice place good stores

It has everything you need a huge supermarket - electronics - food - clothing - sports. There is lots of space to walk around and not feel to close to others. The parking access is easy and offers lots of spaces.

This is a great little mall. It has amenities like a super market and other stores. The reasons why I am not giving this little place 5 stars are: 1- No movie theatre. Seriously. 2- The kids play area is very small. 3- The food court has not much in the way of portuguese food. Otherwise you will find a quaint place. It is safe and clean. Also, as an added bonus, it has a lot of parking space.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful place that connects two courtyards with shops, bars and restaurants. (Original) Belíssimo local que liga dois pátios com lojas, bares e restaurantes.

(Translated by Google) Time of visit: first half of April 2025. The building of the Old Town Hall of Guimaraes is located above the arcades that connect Saint James Square with Olive Square. This building is a symbol of municipal power, because it was here that political decisions were made in previous centuries. Its construction probably started in the last quarter of the 14th century and during the following centuries it went through several renovations. On the top of the building stands the figure of a warrior (from the second half of the 19th century), which, according to legend, symbolizes the city of Guimarães. (Original) Vreme posete: prva polovina aprila 2025. god. Zgrada Stare gradske kuće Gimaraeša nalazi se iznad arkada koje povezuju Trg Svetog Džejmsa sa Trgom Masline. Ova zgrada je simbol opštinske moći, jer su se upravo ovde donosile političke odluke u prethodnim vekovima. Njena izgradnja je verovatno počela u poslednjoj četvrtini XIV veka i tokom narednih vekova je prošla kroz nekoliko renoviranja. Na vrhu zgrade stoji figura ratnika (od druge polovine XIX veka) koji, prema predanju, simbolizuje grad Gimaraeš.

(Translated by Google) A striking building in the middle of the square, with arcades giving it a stately appearance. Located in Oliveira Square, it was the former city hall, now relocated to the Convent of S. Clara. It is currently a museum. It is very well preserved. (Original) Edificio llamativo en plena plaza y sobre los soportales que le dan un un aspecto señorial. Situado en la plaza de Oliveira. Fue el antiguo Ayuntamiento de la ciudad ahora trasladado al convento de S. Clara. Actualmente es un museo. Está muy bien conservado.

(Translated by Google) The construction of a town house in Guimarães was cherished throughout the Middle Ages. Apparently, at first there was no specific place for meetings: the men dispersed around the cemetery or the cloister of the Church of Saint Mary. A first building built expressly for this purpose took place during the time of D. João I, in the year 1384, most likely in the place where the old town hall stands today. It is a unique building, located in the heart of the nerve center of the city, between Plaza de Santiago and the square where the Nuestra Señora de Oliveira Collegiate Church is located. Its architectural characteristics really mark part of the medieval imagination of Guimarães. It can be integrated into a set of municipal buildings characteristic of some towns and cities in the northwest of the country, in full vogue at the end of the Middle Ages. In fact, it has certain similarities with the Câmara de Barcelos and Viana do Castelo. It is organized on two floors, the first being defined by a porch supported by four Gothic arches, whose interior space, spacious and devoid of architectural compartmentalization, was generally reserved for the market. The second floor, closed by windows crowned by triangular pediments interrupted by shields, consisted of a single chamber, a meeting room for municipal councilors and also a court. At the beginning of the 16th century, after a renovation by the architect João Lopes de Amorim, the Municipal Palace of Guimarães was crowned by battlements, an element that until decades ago was exclusive to military architecture. In the 20th century, a restoration campaign was carried out that gave the property public functionality, where the Municipal Archive, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Library and the current Museum of Modern Primitive Art were installed. At its summit rests a granite statue with two faces called “O homem das duas caras” that represents a warrior with a second face on his armor. It was placed in 1877, and comes from the old Alfândega (customs house) building; and according to tradition it symbolizes the double contribution of the Vimaranenses in the conquests of Africa. And on one of its walls, a stone inscription dating from 1654. (Original) La construcción de una casa del pueblo en Guimarães fue acariciada a lo largo de toda la Edad Media. Al parecer, al principio no existía un lugar específico para las reuniones: los hombres se dispersaban por el cementerio o el claustro de la Iglesia de Santa María. Un primer edificio construido expresamente para este fin, tuvo lugar en tiempos de D. João I, en el año 1384, con gran probabilidad, en el lugar donde hoy se levanta el antiguo ayuntamiento. Se trata de un edificio singular, ubicado en el corazón del centro neurálgico de la ciudad, entre la Plaza de Santiago y la plaza donde se encuentra la Colegiata Nuestra Señora de Oliveira. Sus características arquitectónicas marcan realmente parte del imaginario medieval de Guimarães. Puede integrarse en un conjunto de edificios municipales característico de algunos pueblos y ciudades del noroeste del país, en plena boga a finales de la Edad Media. De hecho, tiene ciertas similitudes con la Câmara de Barcelos y Viana do Castelo. Se organiza en dos plantas, estando la primera definida por un porche soportado por cuatro arcos góticos, cuyo espacio interior, amplio y desprovisto de compartimentación arquitectónica, estaba reservado generalmente para el mercado. El segundo piso, cerrado por ventanales coronados por frontones triangulares interrumpidos por escudos, constaba de una única cámara, sala de reuniones de concejales municipales y también de juzgado. A principios del S.XVI, tras una reforma por el arquitecto João Lopes de Amorim, el Palacio Municipal de Guimarães fue coronado por almenas, elemento que hasta hacía décadas era exclusivo de la arquitectura militar. En el S.XX, se llevó a cabo una campaña de restauración que dotó al inmueble de funcionalidad pública, donde se instalaron el Archivo Municipal, la Biblioteca de la Fundación Calouste Gulbenkian y el actual Museo de Arte Primitivo Moderno. En su cumbre descansa una estatua de granito con dos caras denominada “O homem das duas caras” que representa a un guerrero con un segundo rostro en la armadura. Fue colocada en 1877, y proviene del antiguo edificio de la Alfândega (aduana); y según la tradición simboliza la doble contribución de los vimaranenses en las conquistas de Africa. Y en uno de sus muros, una inscripción en piedra que data de 1654.

(Translated by Google) 14th century building. Currently occupied by the Cultural & Landscape Touring and Heritage Delegation. (Original) Edifício do século XIV. Actualmente ocupado pela Delegação do Touring Cultural & Paisagístico e dos Patrimónios.

(Translated by Google) Very well maintained (Original) Muy bien cuidado

(Translated by Google) 14th Century Building Former Town Hall (Original) Edifício do Séc. XIV Antiga Camara municipal

This historical city center is beautiful and as we explore the nearby places in the walking tour it gives a proper sighting of this old city. The place is beautiful with old roman architecture and it blowing with colorful houses. There are houses across the street which are connected by an arch is a sight to behold.

We love the north of Portugal and Guimaraes is the historical epicenter of the country. It’s rich in history and has a peaceful vibe to it that wraps itself around you and makes you feel like you’ve always belonged there. We believe that this is a city that you should not pass on.

If visitning Porto, Guimarães is the place should be seriously consider in plans. Only 40 mins drive from Porto. Love from the first sight guaranteed 👍🏻

Very cute town - full of history, add to your bucket list of Portugal

It's a beautiful historic town. It has both restored and not yet restored homes. The cobblestone streets are easy to walk through to discover great little shops and restaurants. Stop by the church or head to the Palace and Castle. There is still lots to discover. I will return.

We needed a little break from the wonderful wineries of the Douro Valley so we took a little day trip to the Beautiful historic town Guimaraes. The castle and the cathedral are the main attractions but we fell in love with the small streets and buildings. It was fun to walk without purpose, enjoy ice-cream in a street corner and just explore.

Incredible medieval historic center. Right out of a storybook but an integral part of the city. Plenty of good food and shops and stuff to do, including exploring a small castle (free) and the Ducal palace (€6). Or just wander the winding streets for endless eye candy. 10/10 would siege and occupy.

My room #4 was right above a hot spot that was very loud and obnoxious until 5am. Will not stay there again.

A serious and completely avoidable situation ruined our stay. The apartment is beautiful, clean, and comfortable, with everything needed for a pleasant stay. However, I informed the host in advance that we would be checking out very early in the morning. I was instructed to leave the key inside the apartment and close the door behind me — but was never warned that the main building door would be locked with a key during the night. As a result, we were trapped inside the building at 4:00 AM, unable to get out. I tried calling and messaging the host — no response. They only replied at 10:30 AM, after I sent another message. In the end, we were forced to wake up other guests to let us out, which is unacceptable. There was a complete lack of communication, no emergency support, and a disregard for basic safety and freedom of movement. The host must ensure this doesn’t happen again, either by warning guests or providing a secure alternative (like a coded key box). I do not recommend this property. I have submitted a formal complaint to Booking and the Consumer Portal.

The rooms are really good and clean! The only problem is the soundproofing, which is non-existent. You can hear the other rooms quite a bit. But apart from that, the location is great, very central and with lots of options around.

The location is ok and the breakfast was good (even though small). BUT: I have never seen in my life such a dirty bathroom. The whole wall was full of cubic hair (see pictures). I have no idea how they managed to achieve this, but it was super disgusting.

Amazing guest house. Rooms were immaculate and very clean. The views from the room are very unique, and the beds are unbelievably comfortable. The location is perfect for touring around Guimaraes as almost everything is in walking distance! Finally, the owner and workers are absolutely lovely and very helpful.

In general all in good shape, but had a terrible night as the above occupants were in a party and noise was unbearable. Left the very next day. Windows are single glazed and tremble with the wind, and offer almost no protection against sound and temperature, rooms require AC to keep warm, but the unit is quite noisy. Bathroom is in need of some TLC. We will not come back.

This was the rare case where it looked better in reality than in the photos. The room was cozy, clean and nice and the view to the patio and the beautiful house facades while taking breakfast in bed just made my morning. The staff was supper nice during booking and stay. It's also not hard to understand that the location is super central!

We stayed at 'Arthur's place' for 2 nights in June. What a delightful homely stay we had. This is a family home/vineyard and Arthur and his wife have added wonderful touches to ensure their guests have a 5 star experience. The rooms in the old winery with there thick stone walls provided a perfect temperature for a great nights sleep. The spring water pool and garden were beautiful; situated beside the vines with shade from the fruit trees. We were spoilt with homemade lemonade which Arthur brought to us beside the pool. We had a superb meal, accompanied by 1720 wines which we shared with two other lovely guests. We finished our evening with a drink on the amazing verandah overlooking the vines. We ate in a local restaurant the second night. Arthur was only too happy to reserve a table and drop us at the door AND arrange a local taxi back for us. What more could you ask for. Looking forward to returning again to experience this hidden gem.

We organized corporate dinner with wine tasting at Quinta da Cancela. It’s a perfect place for it - old house with its atmosphere, but renovated and comfortable. You can see how they produce wine and have an excursion from Arthur (owner of the Quinta). Rain spoiled our plans, but Arthur helped us so much to create plan B and organize photo zone, tables and musicians. Food was very tasty and served like in a good restaurant. Thanks Arthur for his professional approach, responsiveness, and delicious wine/food

We had a wonderful stay here. When we arrived the owner Arthur welcomed us and showed us our cottage and gave us a lot of information about the Quinta, the vineyard and the family. It was a pleasure to listen to him. He has a clear vision to develop and maintain the Quinta for the next generation. The original property dates back to 1720. Our cottage was lovingly furnished and cozy. The garden offers many sitting possibilities and is very nicely laid out. The breakfast was very varied and good. One veneing we had a very delicious dinner and we enjoyed the selfmade vine. The Quinta is a clear recommendation from our site.

A wonderful place. Great to stroll around the gardens and vineyard. Artur was very welcoming. Breakfast was excellent. We especially enjoyed a dinner at the Quinta accompanied by the wine from the estate. We would recommend!

I come to Braga once a quarter. This time, I was not able to stay in the hotel I normally did and ended up booking at Quinta da Cancela. Suffice to say that going forward, whenever I come to Braga, I will stay here. Arthur could not have been more friendly, the room was perfect -- clean, comfortable and nice, and the property itself is beautiful. Would highly recommend, and I'm looking forward to my next stay in a couple of months.

We stayed for 2 nights with friends and kids at Quinta da Cancela 1720 and had such a fantastic experience. The location is amazing, a charmful traditional property with an amazing wineyard, park, swimming pool and stunning view on the Vinho Verde hills. Artur and his family are very tasteful hosts, who took great care of us and made sure we were feeling like at home. In particular we liked the tour of the property with all explanations, the wine tasting with details from the winemaker, and the traditional meal served at night in the charmful dining room. I would recommend this Quinta, either for a stay in one of the suites or in a camper van the park is also very suitable for that! Thank you so much again Artur

We did a wine tasting tour here on a rainy day. The host is very welcoming and fluent in English. It is a beautiful wine farm with excellent wines in a superb setting! Definitely worth visiting!

Handy parking in the center of the city. However there was inconsistent pricing. We left the car during the night because one person told us it was 5€ per night, and then the other one was film rate. Ended up paying 70€ for 2 nights. Nearby, there's a free parking

DON'T PARK HERE! Unfortunately I didn't go to check the reviews, because it was a simple parking lot, but in fact it's a dirty and dark “cave”, where a “prehistoric”, rude and ill-mannered being lives. I won't be coming back.

Very expensive tourist trap! No upkeep, impossible to park because its to narrow. 100% will damage your car or someone else will. And on top of all two grumpy and rude old men work there who will try to swindle you

Don't go here. Even when you agree on a price on forehand, they will charge you 10 times the agreed price afterwards.

(Translated by Google) I parked at around 5:00 PM. I asked the cashier how much the fee was until 9:00 AM the next day, and he gave me a bill on a piece of paper, totaling 22 euros. The next morning, when I picked up my car, another cashier, without even looking at my receipt, asked me for 50 euros, so I pulled out the ticket his colleague had made the day before. I paid the 22 euros, and the thug made a fool of himself; he'd tried to raise the price, but realized things were not going well. (Original) Ho parcheggiato alle ore 17 circa. Ho chiesto al personale alla cassa quanto fosse la tariffa fino alle ore 9 del giorno dopo, su un foglietto mi ha fatto il conteggio per un totale di 22 euro. La mattina seguente, al ritiro dell'auto, un altro incaricato alla cassa, senza nemmeno guardare la ricevuta di ingresso, mi chiede 50 euro, al che ho tirato fuori il biglietto fatto dal suo collega il giorno prima. Ho pagato i 22 euro e l'energumeno si è fatto una bella figura, aveva provato a rilanciare, ma ha capito che non tirava aria buona.

(Translated by Google) You can't pay by card, even though you don't indicate it, and when I told him I didn't have cash, he got very aggressive with me. Even though he saw I was pregnant with a large belly, he didn't hesitate to get out of his booth and yell at me. Try not to park here if you don't want to get into trouble. Plus, it's one of the most expensive parking lots in Portugal. (Original) No se puede pagar con tarjeta, aunque no lo indique y al decirle que no llevaba efectivo se puso muy agresivo conmigo, aún viendo que estaba embarazada con una barriga grande, no dudó en salir de su cabina y venir a increparme a la vez que me gritaba. Intentad no aparcar aquí si no queréis tener un disgusto. Además, es de los parkings más caros de Portugal.

(Translated by Google) The worst experience in Guimarães, without a doubt. We arrived at the parking lot and had no cash. The security guard pointed out the no multibank sign we hadn't seen. We told him we were going to an ATM to withdraw money, and when we returned, he wanted to charge us 80 cents more for the 10-minute round trip. We refused, and he violently berated us. He rudely returned it to us, though not all of it. It's a disgrace. (Original) La peor experiencia de guimarães sin duda. Llegamos al parking y no teníamos efectivo, el vigilante nos señaló a golpes el cartel de no multibanco que no habíamos visto, le dijimos que íbamos a un cajero a sacar dinero y al volver nos quería cobrar 80 céntimos más por los 10 minutos de ida y vuelta, a lo cual nos negamos y nos increpó de manera violenta. Nos lo devolvió de malas formas aunque no todo, una vergüenza

Just returned from a 13-day 3-person private tour of Portugal. All arranged via PTC. Superb experience overall - the sites/sights, people, food were all wonderful. Highlight was a 3-1/2 day visit to Madeira. What a magical place! Pedro Madruga (Lisbon and vicinity), Alex (Porto), and Miguel (Madeira), guides arranged through PTC’s partners, did full justice. Pedro’s experience and knowledge, coupled with his gregarious personality, were just the recipe for us! We enjoyed four full days in his company, touring Lisbon, Sintra (magical place), Evora (with its Roman Temple ruins and 10th century university), and Aveiro (including its highly colorful Costa Nova oceanfront development)! Pedro was just superb! Alex in Porto too was excellent, patient, knowledgeable…hand-held us through Port wine-tasting, a visit to the highly recommended Douro Valley and its vineyards and olive oil farms (culminating in a superb lunch at an 18th century mansion). Great time spent with him as well. Miguel in Madeira, though not as experienced as the others, was a delight to travel with. He was honest as to his limitations, patient with us, and took us all over the island’s fantastic North and East sides; the latter was simply stupendous in the variety of its landscapes! A nice young man and a pleasure to travel with! Kudos to all of them. Accommodations were generally good, with the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel in Funchal, Madeira setting a high bar (locations, room, breakfast, staff friendliness), while the Lisboa Plaza Heritage Hotel in Lisbon was at the other end - aged and tired-looking with dated and smelly rooms/bathrooms, and uncomfortable beds ( excellent staff and breakfast, however). The Pestana a Brasileria Hotel in Porto was fine, although we had to change rooms two times due to faulty plumbing and cramped wardrobes. Jose and Luis at the front desk were excellent and took great pains to ensure we were comfortable. Breakfast there too was excellent. Finally, thanks to Vania Pereira at PTC, who was our point of contact from the get-go, and patiently crafted an itinerary to our liking and answered myriad questions along the way. Overall, a great company to depend on for Portugal travels. A couple of improvement suggestions, however: 1. More prompt communications/responses via WhatsApp, to questions and requests particularly while in country; and 2) Having prior knowledge of our driver/guides so as to have any last-minute changes/requests accommodated (left us a bit in confusion, as in the Porto case, our guide was completely unaware of our itinerary until we informed him; and in Madeira we did not have the guide’s name until late); further in Madeira, the number provided for the local company proved erroneous, and not having the company’s name as well left us incommunicado when our guide was a bit delayed in reaching our hotel for pick up. Overall, satisfied with the experience. Thanks to Vania, Pedro, Alex, and Miguel for a lovely visit - we shall cherish the memories!

My girlfriend and I just got back from a dream Portugal trip from 3/3/23-3/13/23. I want to start by saying… DON’T HESITATE TO USE THIS COMPANY!!! We customized our trip with Daniela who is an ABSOLUTE pleasure to work with, and so incredibly responsive! We had great tour guides particularly Pedro in Lisbon. We had a couple of cruises, a cooking class, top notch dinners and lunches. We saw so much of Portugal in the short time we were there due to the precise planning Daniela organized and we actually customized it a bit more when we were there. It was very important to me to see some synagogues and for some reason I failed to mention that prior to going but… Daniela did her magic. She got us into one of the oldest synagogues in Europe in Tomar and into another synagogue in Porto. So very much appreciated. Can’t wait to use Portugal Travel Center again and thank you so much for an unforgettable vacation.

My husband and I just returned from our Portugal trip and had an absolutely amazing time!!! We were completely blown away, especially that this ended up being a personalized/individual tour just for us! Lisbon is such a vibrant city with so much culture and the Lisboa Plaza Hotel was truly exceptional! Our guide Pedro for the Lisbon portion was exceptional as well; he's a walking encyclopedia of Portuguese history, plus he had a great personality and addressed all our needs. Rui/Riu (not sure which is correct spelling), our transfer driver was fantastic and provided the extra service of walking us through the Lisboa airport check- in and baggage drop off to Madeira! Finally, Madeira was a tropical paradise and our guide Antonio was a wonderful man who also attended to all of our needs. We can't thank Portugal Travel Center for putting the itinerary, hotels, guides and transfers together for us!! The entire trip was awesome!

We worked with Daniela prior to our trip to Portugal from Canada. She was very accommodating to our requests, and maintained contact throughout the planning of our itinerary. Our tours and drivers during our stay in Portugal were wonderful. They were always on time, professional and knowledgeable in sharing the history of various sites in this beautiful country. Special mention to both Pedro and Alberto, who were outstanding guides! Do not hesitate to contact this company for your travel needs in Portugal - you will not be disappointed!

Vania and the Portugal Travel Center created a private, custom tour for us to Lisbon, Porto, Douro Valley, Madeira, and Sao Miguel. She listened very carefully our needs and wants, and created an itinerary that exceeded our expectations. We are very discriminating with hotels, and every hotel she also exceeded our expectations. She booked us with fun activities and guides that were very helpful. She even met us while on our tour and gave us some pastries -- very friendly. While we had many highlights, special memories were kayaking on Sete Cidades and the Terra Nostra hotel and spa, both on Sao Miguel. We heartily recommend Vania and the Portugal Travel Center to anyone who wants to visit Portugal.

I was skeptical to use a travel agency located outside the states but it was the best decision ever. I now will always book with local travel agencies wherever I travel. Portugal Travel Center provided the best experience for our honeymoon. From the beginning the communication was easy despite the time difference and Daniela answered any questions that I had. We opted for the Lisbon + Azores travel package. Our tour guide while in Lisbon, Pedro was such a delightful person. He had an extensive knowledge of the area and took great care of us. When we traveled to the Azores our travel guides Rita and John were equally as amazing. The cites we saw in the Azores was something we will always remember. The option to stay at multiple hotels while in the Azores also made for a beautiful trip as we got to see different parts of the island and the hotels were spectacular. We are forever grateful for Daniela and Portugal Travel Center for pairing us with awesome tour guides and making the travel experience smooth. Waking up everyday and having everything already planned and everyday with breakfast and even some days with lunch included was a plus. We will definitely be returning to Portugal to visit other cities and will absolutely use Portugal Travel Center again.

My husband booked a tour for us of the Lisbon area and the Azores about a week before we wanted to arrive, complicated by the fact that he was going to be arriving from the United States and I was going to be arriving from Spain on different days. Pedro and Daniela did an incredible job...their communication skills, attention to detail, and super prompt responses were excellent. Everything that they booked for us--private drivers, small group tours, whale watching, hotels, and airport transports--all were first rate. Can't recommend them highly enough.

Amazing place with a beautiful mural

(Translated by Google) It's an emotion that only a few can appreciate. Like being in Mostar and seeing Rosa Mota winning the gold medal. I apologize in advance. It was not Rosa Mota who won in 1996, but Fernanda Ribeiro. The correction has been made. If any of my Comrades who were in Mostar with me on that date, watching this achievement on television, saw my first comment, I also apologize to them. (Original) É uma emoção que só alguns podem valorizar. Como estar em Mostar e ver a Rosa Mota a ganhar a medalha de ouro. Desde já apresento as minhas desculpas. Não foi a Rosa Mota a vencedora nesse ano de 1996, mas sim a Fernanda Ribeiro. Está feita a correcção. Se algum dos meus Camaradas que nessa data estavam em Mostar comigo, a ver na televisão essa conquista, viu este meu primeiro comentário, também lhes peço desculpa.

(Translated by Google) It's a shame that such an important place in our history is abandoned. With little information about the area (Original) Pena que um local tão importante na nossa historia esteja botado ao abandono. Com pouca informação da zona

(Translated by Google) Important milestone in the founding of Portugal. Sculptures by Augusto Vasconcelos, 1996. It's worth the short trip. On-site parking. (Original) Marco importante na fundação de Portugal. Esculturas de Augusto Vasconcelos de 1996. Vale a pena a curta deslocação. Estacionamento no local.

(Translated by Google) A mysterious place full of culture and beauty I RECOMMEND ® (Original) Um local misterioso cheio de cultura e beleza RECOMENDO ®

(Translated by Google) "According to the oral tradition of many generations, it was here in this place that the Battle of S. Mamede began, on June 24, 1128, in which D. Afonso Henriques conquered the leadership of the Portucalense County and began the political process of independence of Portugal, by removing the attempt at Galician hegemony that intended to take over power in our territory. It can therefore be said that Portugal was born here." The arrangement of this field was made upon the proposal of Prof. Doctor Freitas do Amaral, by the Guimarães City Council, on the occasion of the II Historical Congress of Guimarães, dedicated to the Study of "D. Afonso Henriques and his Era". The field was inaugurated on October 27, 1996, at the end of the aforementioned congress, with sculptures by Augusto Vasconcelos. (Original) "Segundo a tradição oral de muitas gerações, foi aqui neste lugar que teve início, em 24 de Junho de 1128, a Batalha de S. Mamede, na qual D. Afonso Henriques conquistou a chefia do Condado Portucalense e iniciou o processo político da independência de Portugal, ao afastar a tentativa de hegemonia galega que pretendia tomar conta do poder no nosso território. Pode, pois, dizer-se que aqui nasceu Portugal." O arranjo deste campo foi feito, sob proposta do Prof. Doutor Freitas do Amaral, pela Câmara Municipal de Guimarães, por ocasião do II Congresso Histórico de Guimarães, dedicado ao Estudo de "D. Afonso Henriques e a sua Época". O campo foi inaugurado no dia 27 de Outubro de 1996, no encerramento do referido congresso, sendo as esculturas de Augusto Vasconcelos.

(Translated by Google) A strange but very nice place. Strange because it's in the middle of nowhere, in a field. Tells a story, worth seeing. (Original) Lieu étrange mais très sympa. Étrange car au milieu de nulle part, en plein champs. Raconte une histoire, à voir

The palace grounds have some nice huge trees, benches, … very nice area. Inside, the walkthrough has nice examples of tapestry, furniture, and such from the Baroque era. The history of the palace ties deeply into the history of Portugal, so well worth visiting. Plus, Guimarães is so charming.

I really admired the historical objects, furniture, paintings and weapons inside; the explanations were also quite in detail. It would have been a better visit if there was more information about those who have lived in this Palace and also so situate it's importance in Portuguese history.

The Palácio dos Duques de Bragança is a modern reconstruction of the original palace, and it’s clear that several contemporary features — such as the distinctive chimneys — were added during restoration. While these newer elements somewhat alter the authenticity of the original design, the site remains impressive and historically significant. The entrance fee is very reasonable, and the palace’s location right next to Guimarães Castle makes it convenient to visit both in one trip. The building is clean, well-maintained, and still manages to convey a strong sense of Portugal’s past. Despite the reconstruction, it’s definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in architecture, history, or simply exploring the heritage of Guimarães.

Worth seeing, the building is quite interesting but unfortunately I didn't learn much about Portugal history. You can buy a ticket online or on-site, but there is only one line, so a lot of tourists are confused. Inside the case there are a lot of great paintings but they aren't illuminated enough to see details.

A must visit place if you are in Guimarães. The site is both beautiful and offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of people from centuries past. The chapel, in particular, was stunning. Keep in mind that waiting times can be lengthy, especially on hot days, so it might be wise to visit during cooler seasons. Free admission is available for residents of Portugal.

Impressive building with lots of history. Gets quite busy and there's not a lot to see for the entry price - especially with the building works currently going on. If you buy the castle ticket say the same time, there is a discount.

There is something serene about this palace, you are embraced by it as you go inside. It's free if you buy the Guimaraes Pass from Casa de memorias so is the castle and 9 other places in Guimaraes.