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Guimaraes

Culture of Guimaraes. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Guimaraes never ceases to attract travelers with a variety of attractions, being one of the country's oldest cities with a rich and interesting history. The unchanged symbol of the city is the Castle of San Miguel (Castelo de Sao Miguel), which was founded in the 10th century. The 18-meter-tall building consists of eight crenelated towers. The fortress was erected to protect the city from the Moorish and Norman invaders. In the 12th century, it was complemented by several new structures and a beautiful chapel, which has been preserved to this day.

Your active city break in Guimaraes. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here

Guimaraes is a great destination for those who prefer ancient cities with their own history, atmosphere, culture. Indeed, this city has something to tell - there are more than enough …

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Not far from the fortress is the Castle of Bragança distinguished by its unique architectural style. Built in the 15th century, it had been the main residence of the country's ruler for a long time. The palace is used for its intended purpose even today. Important political events and solemn ceremonies take place in its magnificent halls. There are guided tours of the palace for tourists. The most beautiful is the banquet hall, which is decorated with antique furniture and porcelain statues of the 17th century.

Religious attractions worth highlight include the Church of Saint Francisco (Sao Francisco Church), the construction of which was completed in 1400. The spectacular Gothic building was completely reconstructed in the 18th century and today appears before visitors in all its glory. Not far from the castle, old Rua de Santa Maria Street starts, walking along which you can reach the very center of the historic district. There are also many architectural attractions, the most striking of which is the Convent of Santa Maria. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Guimaraes

1. It's best to exchange currency in specialized offices located at the airport. The rate may vary from bank to bank, it is also worth paying attention to the amount of the commission. Banks …

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One of the most remarkable landmarks in the historic district is the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. Some of its premises have been converted into a museum. The beautiful halls keep collections of church relics and historical artifacts, which would be of interest to any traveler. One more noteworthy site is the Old Town Hall - a beautiful, elegant building that has been preserved in its original form since the Middle Ages. Travelers wishing to see a priceless collection of archaeological finds must visit the Martins Sarmento Museum. A large part of its collection consists of ancient ornaments, as well as fragments of prehistoric tools found during excavations in Guimaraes' suburban area.

In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Guimaraes and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Guimaraes and surroundings

This guide to cultural sights Guimaraes is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.

Guimaraes - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Reference information

Map of all palaces

Public palaces near Guimaraes
♥ Palace 'Palace of the Dukes of Braganza' , 0.8 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Palace 'Paço de São Cipriano' , 6 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Palace 'Palácio Igreja Velha' , 13.1 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Palace 'Episcopal Palace of Braga' , 15.4 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Palace 'Biscainhos Museum' , 15.6 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Palace 'Castle of D. Chica' , 18.8 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Palace 'Palácio do Freixo' , 41.2 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Map of all churches

Cathedrals and basilicas near Guimaraes
♥ Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, Porto, 42.9 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Sé Catedral de São Domingos, Vila Real, 49.3 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Sé Catedral de Santa Maria Maior, Viana do Castelo, 51.5 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, Lamego, 57 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Catedral de San Antón, Tui, 72.2 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Unique spots in Guimaraes and near

Estacao Sao Bento

From the series “Top 14 Most Astonishing Railway Stations in the World”

Check on the map: Estacao Sao Bento on map

Distance from Guimaraes center - 42.6 km.

The official opening of the Estacao Sao Bento railway station was in 1916. Earlier there had placed the ancient decrepit monastery. The building looks more like a museum than a railway station. Every day it is visited by hundreds of curious tourists. They take photos of the azulojois walls and the fancy ceiling with moulding. The station is located in the centre of the city. Near it you will see a lot of other outstanding sightseeing. … Read further

Stone House

From the series “The Most Bizarre and Fancy Living Houses”

Check on the map: Stone House on map

Distance from Guimaraes center - 10.6 km.

The unique house is two storey, on its first floor is the spacious living room with the fireplace. The tiled roof protects the stone house from the storm. And through the original asymmetrical windows, which were manually carved out, the residents can graze in the surrounding landscapes. Although now no one lives in the house, it is excellently equipped for comfortable stay and is used for no other destinations. The unusual house is considered one of the main attractions of the Guemaraes region and is literally visited every day by many curious tourists. … Read further

Culture of Guimaraes. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

City tours, excursions and tickets in Guimaraes and surroundings

Unique spots in Guimaraes and near

Estacao Sao Bento

Stone House

Photogallery of cultural heritage of Guimaraes

Landmarks of culture on Guimaraes map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Guimaraes