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If you are in Portugal, you can’t keep Guimaraes off your travel list. When you walk about this charming city and note the plethora of popular tourist attractions in Guimaraes that dot the streets, you may get the impression that it is a unique travel destination.
Through this Guimaraes blog, I will share with you some of the most interesting things to do in Guimaraes.
Going on a 2 days trip is sufficient to see some of the most interesting places in Guimaraes. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. So, without further ado, let me present you some of the best things to do in Guimaraes, top things to do in Guimaraes and some helpful travel tips.
1. Guimarães Castle
Guimarães Castle is a medieval fortified structure perched over a hilltop.
There are trails running around the castle which takes you through the woods and to a series of vantage points. Guimarães Castle makes for a great sunny day activity.
Quick Facts:
- The castle was built somewhere around 11th-century.
- The castle follows the Romanesque style, easily evident to a person with keen eye.
Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique, Guimarães, Portugal
2. Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
Palace of the Dukes of Braganza is an amazing looking palace in Guimaraes city.
Quick Facts:
- The palace is located at an elevation of 219 m.
- Also worth seeing here include stunning display of tapestries in the palace’s museum.
An incredible sight, Palace of the Dukes of Braganza scores high in the list of the best things to do in Guimaraes.
Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique, Guimarães, Portugal
3. Citânia de Briteiros
An prominent archaeological site with a number of historical digs.
The site contains structures from a mix of ancient civilizations from Celtic to Romans.
Undoubtedly, the site throws some of the fascinating insights into the lives of people. The remains of the squares, temples and arches that were all located here can still be seen.
Quick Facts:
- Spreading over an expanse of 5.17 km², it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
4. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira
Located in the heart of Guimaraes, Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, is another of the city’s architectural masterpieces.
As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders. A donation at the entrance is optional but encouraged, since it will go towards the preservation of this piece of history.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira features include stunning baroque interiors.
- The church was built somewhere around 15th-century.
- It doesn’t take an expert to see that it is built in a Gothic architecture style.
Address: 9, Largo da Oliveira 8, Guimarães, Portugal
5. Church of São Miguel do Castelo
Church of São Miguel do Castelo, the centuries old landmark, is considered to be one of Guimaraes’s most gorgeous churches.
The inside of the church is adorned with a variety of gorgeous artwork. It is well worth to pay a small donation, as it goes towards supporting the ongoing upkeep of this piece of history.
Quick Facts:
- It doesn’t take an expert to see that it is built in a Romanesque architecture style.
Add it to your Guimaraes trip if you have time.
Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique, Guimarães, Portugal
6. Museum Martins Sarmento
The Museum Martins Sarmento carefully collects and presents various archaeological finds of the area.
As you would expect, a visit to the city’s archaeological museum is a fascinating journey through many cultures and civilizations.
The purpose is to collect all of the significant archaeological artifacts dispersed around Guimaraes at one place. A treasure trove of relics including clay figures, pottery, leather shoes and coins discovered at the digs are displayed carefully.
Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique, Guimarães, Portugal
7. Estátua a Dom Afonso Henriques
A masterfully crafted statue installed at one busy hotspots of Guimaraes.
Quick Facts:
- The imp statue is dedicated to the first ruler of Portugal.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Guimaraes trip.
Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique, Guimarães, Portugal
But beyond the famous attractions in Guimaraes, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Guimaraes for everyone.
And if you plan it well, these popular tourist attractions in Guimaraes can be easily covered in a short itinerary. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Guimaraes, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.