Travel Guide to Guimaraes, Portugal

Guimaraes is located on the north-west of Portugal. This is an important historical city, which population estimates around 53 thousands of people. Guimaraes is known as the first capital of the country. Even nowadays this place is a symbol of the first large city in Portugal. This statement is proven by numerous historical monuments and castle towers that have become the Portuguese emblem and can be seen on the flag of this country.

Guimaraes is a beautiful city with its own traditional history, large number of unique monuments and architectural sights. The city consists of old streets and squares that are usually in a great state. Among the most famous sights of Guimaraes is the Royal Palace that has been abandoned for a long time. It was renewed only in XX century and used as the residence of the country’s president. Tourists are usually advised to visit Paço dos Duques de Bragança, St. Francisco Church, and Nossa Senhora de Oliveira Monastery that exhibits a large collection of historical and church artifacts. Among them is the armor of King Don Juan I. The monastery is named after the olive tree that was planted here yet in 672. Guimaraes is surrounded by dense forests and rocky hills. This is a wonderful destination for leisure tourism.