Castle of Guimaraes, Day Trip from Porto
Continuing my journey from Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga, I am now at Castle of Guimaraes.
This Castle of Guimaraes is important in history of Portugal and is included among the top in the list of castles of Portugal. This is the place where Portugal was created. Visiting it was like traveling back in time to 10th century! It was a clear day and I got some neat shots against the deep blue sky.
Guimarães has the UNESCO world heritage status as it is closely associated with the establishment of Portuguese national identity and the Portuguese language in the 12th century. Though the wall is crumbling at places, much of what remains is impressive. Something so old as this is rare in Portugal!
Read more: Pena Palace Sintra, another 19th-century Romanticist castle
History of Castle of Guimarães
The construction went on in phases for several centuries. And behind the walls of this castle, family rivalries and bickering took place. The property of Vimaranes (today Guimarães) belonged to Count Hermenegildo Gonçalves. The Count’s widow ordered the construction of the castle.
By 4 December 968, a document mentions that, the Countess Mumadona Dias referred to the castle as just having been constructed in order to defend the friars and nuns in the monastery attacks from the Moors and Normans. It is one of the finest examples of military architecture from medieval era.
At the end of the 10th century, Dias’s eldest son, Gonçalo Mendes, took possession of the lands following her death and continued her wishes to support the monastery. But soon after family squabbles started, with uncles and nephews bidding control over the castle. This was the palace of King Afonso Henriques (1111 – 1185).
Ruins of castle of Guimaraes
Church of San Miguel do Castelo
For the Portuguese these castle ruins is an important connection to their past. This represents their birth as a nation. Its significance on this historical basis makes this site so interesting to visit. This (pic below) is the Romanesque Church where according to tradition King Afonso Henriques was baptized. It has served as royal chapel and parochial church.
Romanesque church in Guimares
Tour of the Castle of Guimaraes
Touring this place took hardly half an hour. We walked in though the huge green door of the castle, the area inside was all uneven. Some huge rocks strewn here and there, like in any other ruin. No pathway made for visitors and we were on our own to explore.
There were stairs up the old walls. You can do one thing; either climb or take pics. With no supports by the ruined stairs it is important to exercise some caution. Small little place for some adventure, my teen aged kids enjoyed the exploring here. This part of the tour is free of any charge.
Location of Guimaraes
Guimaraes is 60km from Porto and 120km from Vigo. If you plan to visit Porto, a beautiful city with alluring villages in its surroundings, do stretch your itinerary and budget little more and visit this castle.
Other things to see around in Guimaraes
Guimaraes Hill – Besides these 2 monuments, the Castle of Guimaraes and the Church of San Miguel do Castelo, there is yet another monument on this sacred hill of Guimaraes that you must not miss – the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.
Santo Antonio dos Capuchos Convent – a convent built in the 17th century. Casa da Misericordia installed a hospital in the mid-19th century in this convent. You can take a tour, entrance fee is 2€.
Convent of Santa Clara – the current town hall of Guimaraes since 1975. It was built in 16th century and reputed to be a very important and rich convent. The nuns of this convent prepare typical sweets and cake of Guimaraes. Explore around, you can buy these pastries in a few shops in the city.
Timing: 09.00h – 17.30h Free admission.
Rua Santa Maria, Guimaraes – one of the important streets of Guimaraes since medieval times and still retains that medieval look. Located close to convent of Santa Clara, came straight down from the Ducal Palace, a street where famous people of the time lived.
Visit the City Walls – some vestiges of the walls from medieval times exist very close to the end of Rua Santa Maria. This street ends in the center of Guimaraes. Don’t miss the inscription that reads “Portugal Was Born Here”.
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I love exploring old buildings and forts. A castle would be great to see and since it is free it is definitely my cup of tea.
Free of charge when touring a certain place is all good! Tho, you have to explore on your own which is also a good thing. The castle looks historic. Like the ones on movies and animated films!
This castle in Portugal has really an interesting story. It is so huge, and beautiful. I loved your shot of the castle and will love to explore it some day.
It makes for a fascinating read! Castle Guimaraes has a rich history backing it!
Looks like a beautiful castle. Ancient and robust. I have read some other posts also on your blog related to architectural landmarks in Portugal. And all these seem to be wonderful
Beautiful castle! I wish I could also take a time to roam around there!
The idea of transporting back to the heyday of the 10th century sounds amazing!!
The castle looks wonderful. May be it’s because of the Portuguese architecture, I felt that this castle resemebles a few forts of Goa!
It is so lovely! I’d love to go to Portugal, I’ve heard lots of interesting things to do and visit. Moreover, I do love castles, last summer in Scotland I visited several ones and they do inspire and have a particular atmosphere.
Wow, the birthplace of Portugal and so beautiful. We can’t wait to see the Castle of Guimaraes for ourselves. Thanks for covering it. It’s on our Portugal itinerary for sure.
Guimarães looks really intriguing. I am always fascinated by heritage structures, they have so many stories to tell, one has to but listen carefully. No doubt the castle has many a thrilling story to tell, stories of love and treachery and the birth of a nation.
Thanks for this virtual tour. The castle looks amazing! would love to visit someday! Cheers!
The true magnitude of the castle is seen in the first picture. Those people look so small! Impressive!
I enjoyed my the virtual tour. Thanks for sharing this post.
Your photos of Guimaraes are beautiful! What a stunning site.
Great fortress and although look alike built with hollow blocks, I am sure it must be pretty strong to stand for centuries and birth reason of Portugal! Fantastic perspective
Such a lovely place.
Castle looks enchanting, like straight out of a fairy tale!!
Impressive Green Door and the Castle is a beauty.
I love the lovely photos and information on your blog! Thanks so much for the comments on my blog. Have a great weekend. cheers.
Great post with wonderful photos.
Such a charming place and beautiful castle …
Magnificent castle…great pictures 🙂
Thanks to your posts on Portugal, I’m learning something new everytime I come here. Looking forward for more 🙂
I love a castle, and Guimaraes looks like a classic!
Quite a nice place!
Lovely information.. Thanks for sharing 🙂
So fine and exemplary! 🙂
Those crenellated walls are magnificent and so large too.
Seems like you’re having a fabulous time Indrani! 🙂
beautiful castle and so wonderfully preserved!!!
myunfinishedlife
I just love that green door 🙂
nice post
A castle with a difference.
Very beautiful!!!
Awesome!!!! Lovely place!!!
Nice pics
It looks to be a great place.
Beautiful.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
Looks like you have explored every church, castle and building in Portugal… 🙂
The castle is huge and majestic. Seems it was a lovely day on your visit, Indrani. Great shots against the azure skies.
Wonderful, Great pics.
Interesting historical reminder.
An amazing country with so much incredible history and beauty. Thank you for sharing your photos.
Exquisite !
Hello, the church and castle are beautiful. I would love to tour and explore these historical sites. Great post. Have a happy day!
What a lovely place indeed..
So fine!