Guimarães: where portugal was born

First things first. Guimarães is a city located in the heart of the Minho region with a long history and a lot to do and discover. It is only 45 min. driving or 1h15min. by train from Porto, which makes it a fantastic place for a short escape and also a great base to explore Minho. Below are some of the city's biggest assets.

Historical value and Archaeological heritage

The first records of what later became Guimarães date back to the 10th century, to when Mumadona Dias built a convent and a castle in this part of the country. Later on, during the Iron Age, the Celts chose this area to settle and then came the Romans with their roads and bridges. The archaeological value of the city is undeniable and can be witnessed when walking around the historical centre, exploring the surrounding area and visiting museums such as Martins Sarmento and Alberto Sampaio.
On the 24th of June 1128 the troops led by Dom Afonso Henriques, our first king, defeated the Galicians who were supported by his mother, in an epic battle near Guimarães. It’s known as the battle of São Mamede and it was incredibly important for the independence of Portugal as a country. It also explains why Guimarães is known as “the birthplace of Portugal”.
Inside the walled town, the medieval centre is formed by a maze of quirky streets, manor houses, churches, beautiful squares, wooden balconies and ancient tiles. This remarkable heritage is the reason the city centre was declared UNESCO Heritage in 2001. 

Guimarães is a cultural hot spot

In Guimarães there are still old traditions and occupations that have passed from one generation to another, such as the leather work and textiles. In fact, there is still an area in town known as Zona de Couros which literary translates to "Leather Area". Since the Middle Age leather has played a big role in the local economy, which reached its peak in the 18th century. Later the leather was replaced by the textile factories, many of which are still working full speed ahead making pieces of clothing for big international brands.
With the turn of times the city evolved in many different areas and flourished. The big cultural boom in the city came in 2012 when Guimarães was elected European Capital of Culture. Nowadays the city is still a reference when it comes to arts and culture, with a wide array of events and different venues worth keeping an eye on. There are options for those looking for theatre plays, dance performance, music concerts and cinema screenings. 

Local Gastronomy and Wine

It's impossible to talk about any region in the country without mentioning the local food and wine. Guimarães is no exception to the rule. There are many typical dishes worth trying, from the heartwarming appetisers to the indulgent desserts. During winter a full on meal in Guimarães could (and should) be the following:

1. Start with a warm bowl of soup | Papas de Sarrabulho (which consists of different types of meat cooked with potatoes, other ingredients and pig's blood) and caldo verde (a soup made with potatoes, onions and shredded kale and then seasoned with some generous slices of chorizo) are the most famous ones.
2.  Then proceed to the main course | You simply cannot miss some of the staple dishes, such as rojões (pork cubes fried in pork lard), Naco à Conquistador (a juicy veal medallion served pierced by a small sword) and bacalhau com broa (salted cod topped with cornbread cooked in the oven until crisp).
3. Always leave some space for dessert | Try either tortas de Guimarães or toucinho do céu. They both have conventual origin and are made with with an egg custard and almond filling and are sure to send you straight to heaven.
4. Down the local delicacies with a glass/mug of wine | Guimarães is part of the vinho verde demarcated region. This wine has specific characteristics as it is meant to be consumed young. The whites are soft and slightly sparkling and the reds are tangy and served in mugs.
5. Drag & Go | After a king's feast it's time to act like a peasant and get to know Guimarães.  Go for a stroll around the historical centre to digest the meal and get to know the history and culture of this incredible city. 

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