#Guimarães: the birthplace of the Portuguese nation

Guimarães is known as the “cradle” of Portugal, since it was here, in the Guimarães castle that in the 12th century, with the formation of the Portucalense shire, came to live the Count Henrique and his wife D. Teresa. It was probably also here that the (future) first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques was born. However, there are historians who argue that in reality the first king of Portugal was born in Viseu.

Guimarães Castle

Near the castle, in romantic style, there is the Church of St. Miguel. It is a very small church, but with a great symbolic value, due to its historical connection with the foundation of Portugal. The floor is full of tombs that are attributed to the noble warriors linked to the foundation of nationality. Next to the baptismal font, you can read on a Latin gravestone that the first king of Portugal was baptized in that church.

Church of St. Miguel

Then, if you look to your left, you can start counting windows and chimneys of the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança … okay, I’ll spare you the trouble! There are 272 windows and 39 chimneys! Can you imagine how much time you would spare in the gym, if you had to clean so many windows?! Cleaning windows - the best arm workout of the 12th century!!!

Palace of the Dukes of Bragança

It was built in the 15th century by D. Afonso (Duke of the House of Braganza, 8th Count of Barcelos and bastard son of King João I) at the time of his marriage to D. Constança de Noronha. Between 1937 and 1959, the Palace was rebuilt and opened to the public as a museum. At present, the Palace has 13 rooms open to the public (on the first floor) and the entrance floor has several temporary exhibitions.

Interior of the Palace of Dukes of Bragança

Since 1959 is also the official residence of the President of Portugal in the North of Portugal.

Palace of Dukes of Bragança