Discovering Portugal :: Guimaraes

Aqui nasceu Portugal - Here was born Portugal - is what you read as soon as you get to the historical center of the city. Known as the birthplace of the nation, Guimaraes is one of the most important historical cities of Portugal. It's was the first governative center of the Portuguese kingdom as it was born in that region in the beginning of the XII century. The most important historical figure of the city is, of course, D. Afonso Henriques, who's been said to have born there, though not proven. The adventurer knight battled with his own mother's army to take control of the land, and later became the first king when the kingdom was recognized in 1143. Adventurous and rebel as he was, naturally he had proclaimed himself king of Portugal several years before that happened.

As it is to expect, the city is full of history and walking trough the streets you can really feel it's character. Its historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's really worth a visit. Also, this year the city is nominated one of the European Capitals of Culture (along with Maribor), so there will be lots of fun and interesting things happening.

And, since we embarked on this quest to discover every Portuguese castle, we can proudly say we scratched another one from our never ending list!

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all photos by me
(except that one the hub took of me, obviously! ;)  )