Things to see and do Guimarães

This magnificent medieval square is the heart of the city centre. It is connected to the Praça Santiago by the arcades of the old town hall, which was built at the end of the 14th century by João I and extensively remodelled in the early 17th century. This square also includes the Parão do Salado, in front of the church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveria. The Gothic building was erected during the reign of Afonso IV to commemorate the Battle of Salado in 1340. In the centre, several cafés offer pleasant terraces. In the evening, the atmosphere is lively with students.

Built in 1401, but never inhabited, the palace first surprises by its many rooms in rows, its chandeliers and its huge tapestries on the walls. Four copies of Pastrana are remarkable: those telling of the Portuguese conquests in North Africa, and those of Flemish origin executed by Rubens. On the roof of the building, strange very tall cylindrical red brick chimneys reflect the influence of the seigneurial architecture, unique in the Iberian Peninsula.

This strange church is the south end of the Largo da República do Brasil. Decorated in its exterior by a multitude of azulejos, it has the backdrop of the Tree tree Hills. A harmonious vision…

You cannot leave Guimarães without going to the Penha hill. The road that leads to it crosses a thick, rich and varied forest; at every moment, at every turn, you will want to stop and walk there. On the way down, panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. It would also be a shame not to spend a night at the pensão da Penha or at the campsite, so that you can explore this magnificent natural site. You can also play minigolf there. It is possible to hike through the forest, ask at the tourist office.