Photo: John Samuel \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nYour first steps should lead to the small hilltop above the town, where the landmark of the entire region towers above everything else. Castelo de Guimar\u00e3es is a robust 10th-century medieval fortress that originally served to defend the local monastery<\/strong> from Moorish and Norman raids. Its raw granite form with imposing battlements and a tall central keep (Torre de Menagem) looks exactly like the impenetrable knights’ castle you’d picture from a fairy tale.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAccording to historical sources, it was at this very castle in the early 12th century that the first Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques, was born<\/strong>. As you walk along the ancient walls, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views over the entire historic centre spread out below. Access to the castle grounds and the ramparts is often free, but you’ll need to purchase a ticket to enter the main keep, which houses a small exhibition on the town’s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udca1 Insider tip: If you’re planning to visit several attractions in the area, ask at the ticket office about a combined ticket<\/strong>. They often sell a discounted pass that covers both the castle and the neighbouring Palace of the Dukes, saving you a few euros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>2. Pa\u00e7o dos Duques de Bragan\u00e7a (Palace of the Dukes)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPhoto: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nJust below the castle, you can’t miss the enormous and highly unusual building with dozens of brick chimneys jutting into the sky. This imposing palace was built in the 15th century by Afonso, the first Duke of Braganza<\/strong>, as his lavish residence. The architecture is heavily influenced by a northern European style that the duke admired during his diplomatic journeys across the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInside, a fascinating walk through history awaits. The tour takes you through vast halls with wooden ceilings that resemble inverted ship hulls. The walls are adorned with stunning collections of weapons, antique furniture, and enormous tapestries<\/strong> depicting in detail the Portuguese campaigns in North Africa. The atmosphere inside the palace is rather dark and majestic, which only amplifies the sense of the immense power the House of Braganza once wielded.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDon’t forget to peek into the inner courtyard, which is surrounded by Gothic arcades and radiates an incredibly serene feel. Admission to the palace is around \u20ac5<\/strong>, and the visit will take you roughly an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how long you linger over the details of the historical tapestries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>3. Igreja de S\u00e3o Miguel do Castelo<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPhoto: John Samuel \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nTucked between the castle and the Palace of the Dukes, there’s a small, unassuming Romanesque church that you might walk right past on a quick visit. That would be a huge mistake, though. Igreja de S\u00e3o Miguel do Castelo is, from a historical perspective, one of the most important sacred buildings<\/strong> in all of Portugal. From the outside it looks plain and austere, but its significance lies in what took place inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLegend and historical records claim that it was in this little church that the first king, Afonso Henriques, was baptised<\/strong>. Inside, you’ll find the old stone baptismal font believed to have been used for this very purpose. The interior is dark, lit only by narrow windows, and the floor is made up of dozens of tombstones of medieval knights and nobles.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdmission to this small church is free and a visit takes no more than a few minutes. Yet it’s a profoundly moving place where you can truly feel the depth of Portuguese history<\/strong> and the pride that locals hold for their first ruler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>4. Largo da Oliveira Square<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPhoto: Gerd Eichmann \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOnce you descend from the castle hill into the old town, you’ll find yourself on one of the most picturesque squares you’ve ever seen. Largo da Oliveira is the beating heart of the historic centre<\/strong> and a place where history meets the laid-back lifestyle of today’s Portuguese. The square is surrounded on all sides by beautiful old houses with their characteristic wooden balconies and narrow windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe square takes its name from the old olive tree (oliveira) that has stood here for centuries. Legend has it that the original tree miraculously sprouted leaves to affirm the significance of this spot. Today, the square is packed with the terraces of cosy caf\u00e9s and restaurants<\/strong>, where you can sit down, order a coffee or a glass of local wine, and simply watch the world go by.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt’s the perfect spot for a short rest after exploring the castle. Prices at the caf\u00e9s on the square are admittedly a touch higher<\/strong> than in the hidden back streets, but the view of the historic backdrop is absolutely worth the extra few cents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>5. Padr\u00e3o do Salado<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPhoto: John Samuel \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nRight in the middle of Largo da Oliveira, your attention will immediately be drawn to a remarkable Gothic monument. The Padr\u00e3o do Salado is a unique stone shrine formed by four pointed arches sheltering an old stone cross. This memorial was erected in the 14th century to commemorate the victory of Portuguese and Castilian forces<\/strong> over the Moors at the crucial Battle of Salado.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt’s one of the most photographed landmarks in town and a rare example of Portuguese Gothic architecture in its purest form. If you look closely, you’ll spot delicate stonework details and ancient coats of arms<\/strong> adorning the vault of this open chapel. The monument has stood here for centuries and serves as the perfect gateway to the neighbouring church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udca1 Insider tip: The best photos of the monument can be taken early in the morning or in the late afternoon<\/strong>, when the setting sun paints the granite stones in warm golden tones and the square isn’t yet overrun with tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>6. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPhoto: John Samuel \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nJust behind the Gothic monument rises the beautiful church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, which dominates the square. This church has a complex history \u2014 a monastery originally stood here as far back as the 10th century, but the current structure dates primarily from the 14th century, during the reign of King Jo\u00e3o I<\/strong>. He had the church rebuilt as a thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary for the victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe exterior features a striking Gothic bell tower and a richly decorated main portal. Inside, you’ll find majestic spaces with magnificent silver altars and intricate woodcarvings. The church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Olive Tree, referencing the legend of the miraculous olive tree on the square outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Entry to the main nave is free. If you’re a fan of sacred architecture, be sure to spend a moment exploring the side chapels, where you’ll discover gorgeous examples of traditional blue-and-white azulejo tiles<\/strong> \u2014 an essential feature of any significant Portuguese church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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