The small picturesque town of Guimaraes (Portugal) is a place where many travelers head from Porto. Quiet streets, beautiful park alleys and numerous attractions – all this awaits tourists who want to relax away from the city crowds and noise.
Guimaraes is the city where Portugal’s independence was declared. It is still called the cradle of the nation.
In memory of the past, ancient churches and castles, parks and entire architectural complexes have remained here. Guimaraes is completely dotted with ancient houses built between the 11th and 19th centuries.
Prices in Guimaraes
A small sleepy place – this is how Guimaraes appears to its guests. And if from the capital’s chic this region has inherited numerous architectural and historical monuments, then the prices are far from those of the metropolis.
It is here that you can have an inexpensive vacation in local hotels that occupy buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The cost of a standard room is low – only €25–40 per day. Discerning clients can stay in four-star complexes, where apartments will cost €50–70.
Locals and visitors eat mainly in snack bars, where a large burger costs only 4-5€. The average bill in a tavern, where they serve hearty lunches and dinners, will be about 30-40€ for two. There are also first-class restaurants in Guimaraes, where you can dine for 40 euros per person. The bill includes not only the cost of the dishes, but also a glass of good wine.
Guimaraes Attractions
The small Portuguese town of Guimaraes has many attractions. Picturesque parks and architectural structures form entire complexes. Some ensembles are included in the UNESCO heritage list and are protected by the state.
Guides recommend visiting all the sights of Guimaraes. However, if you are short of time, the advice of seasoned travelers who have compiled their own rating of memorable places in a small but remarkable town in Portugal will help.
Largo da Oliveira Square
The first place to visit is the central square of Guimaraes. It is named after an ancient olive tree, which, according to locals, is several centuries old. The peculiarity of these places is their unique color. Small alleys attract travelers, here you can wander and walk for hours. Along the cobbled narrow streets, stone houses, typical of northern Portugal, crowd together.
The advantage of the “Olive” square is its proximity to other memorable and noteworthy places. All of them are located within walking distance.
Around the square are grouped: the famous Church of Our Lady (Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Oliveira), a Gothic temple – a symbol of ancient victories over the Moors, and a medieval town hall.
After visiting the architectural monuments, tourists can visit one of the many local restaurants or stop by a cafe. The prices in the restaurants on the square are slightly higher than average, but the pleasure of dining in the heart of the city is worth it.
Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
This is the famous Guimarães Castle, which is one of the most interesting places in the town. The entire palace complex is bristling with numerous turrets and needle-shaped pipes. Built in the 15th century, the palace was designed on the model of Burgundian palace complexes, which was very fashionable at that time.
The complex is beautiful not only from the outside. Inside, visitors will experience a real medieval era that has forever left its mark on weapons and furniture, dishes and numerous tapestries. The interior includes Flemish and French tapestries, ceramics from the Portuguese East India Company, wooden furniture, weapons and armor. The chapel is especially impressive.
Park on the hill of Penha (Montanha — Parque da Penha)
A picturesque mountain park with many small paths becomes a great bonus to an educational trip to Guimaraes. You can get here by renting a car or using a cable car as transport. Visitors recommend choosing the second option, since during the trip you can appreciate the beauty of these places.
The park is strewn with huge boulders covered in green moss. Paths and mossy stone stairs, century-old trees and delightful silence – all this creates a fairy-tale atmosphere.
This is not man-made beauty, but ennobled and brought to perfection, walking here is a pleasure.
In the park, you can not only take some amazing pictures of Guimaraes from above, but also explore small caves that are located along the paths right in the rocks. At the peak of the mountain, there are restaurants where you can enjoy national cuisine.
There is also a hotel here where you can spend the night and head back the next day.
Guimaraes Castle
The real medieval castle of Guimaraes is the official residence of the first king of Portugal. This architectural complex is very popular with tourists. Time has not spared it, depriving the castle of its roof and destroying several walls. However, restorers have recently installed new stairs, so guests always have the opportunity to walk along the building, study it up and down.
An added bonus is the stunning view of Guimaraes from the castle walls. The architectural monument is only a 10-minute walk from the city center.
- The attraction is open from 10:00 to 18:00, and closes at 17:30.
- Ticket prices: full – 2€, for students and pensioners – 1€, children under 12 can visit the castle for free.
Church of Our Lady of Oliveira (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira)
This is not an ordinary place, which from the first moment attracts the eye with its arched entrances. The Church of Our Lady of Oliveira was built in honor of the victory of the Portuguese over the kostilians at Aljubarrota. In 1385, the Portuguese king ordered the architect Garcia de Toledo to build a temple in gratitude for the patronage of the Virgin Mary.
The building itself has undergone several reconstructions over the years of its existence. During the work, the architects added several modern solutions to the appearance of the church at that time. As a result, today the Guimarães temple successfully combines the Gothic style, as well as features of the Manueline and neoclassical stylistic direction.
- Opening hours: Tue-Sat — from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00, Sun — from 7:30 to 13:00.
- Admission is free.
Church of Penha (Santuario da Penha)
The church in Guimaraes Park on top of a hill is remarkable for its location. The landmark is located in Montanha- Parque da Penha and towers over the entire city. You can get here by car or by cable car. The peculiarity of the place is not Gothic, but modern architecture, which fits perfectly into the space.
Even the least religious people go to this place. Their goal is not the complex itself, but the stunning views of the city and countryside, which are clearly visible from the foot of the hill. Often, this is where visitors to Guimaraes begin their walks, having taken the cable car up here for 5 euros.
How to get to Guimaraes?
Trains and buses run from the nearby city of Porto to Guimaraes. It is recommended to choose the appropriate type of transport taking into account the number of people and the age of the traveler. These are the criteria taken into account when reducing the cost of travel.
Bus
Buses run between the cities every hour. A standard ticket will cost a passenger 6.5 euros. Transport companies make great deals for passengers. You can get decent discounts up to:
- 25% – with the European Youth Card, which offers discounts to all people aged 12 to 30.
- 65% – to tourists who decide to purchase travel tickets in advance (for at least 5, 8 or more days in advance).
Train
Like the buses, trains between Porto and Guimaraes depart every hour. The first train from Porto leaves at 6:25, the last at 23:25. The journey takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.
The ticket price is 3.25 euros. However, you can get discounts if you travel in a group of 3-4 people. In this case, the transport company Alfa Pendular and Intercidades offers tickets with a significant discount – up to 50% of the original price! Young people under 25 are also entitled to a 25% discount on travel.
You can purchase a ticket and check the schedule on the official website of the Portuguese Railways – www.cp.pt.
Train departure point : Campanha Railway station.
As an important historical center of Portugal, Guimaraes is interesting for travelers. Tourists who have already been lucky enough to get here recommend staying here for at least a day or two. This time will be enough to see all the picturesque places and attractions, to immerse yourself in the prevailing atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
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