A day trip to Guimarães

Guimarães, a small city in northern Portugal (district of Braga), is possibly one of the prettiest cities in the country, and certainly the most important one when it comes to the history of the nation. From a medieval settlement, Guimarães became a lively modern city and got recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 thanks to its well-preserved heritage. Eleven years later, it also got the title of the European Capital of Culture for 2012. Visiting Guimarães can be a perfect day trip from Porto or Braga, and here are some of the not-to-be-missed spots in the city. 

Guimarães Castle

There is much history in Guimarães, but this medieval castle built in 10th, expended in 11th and reconstructed in the 13th century, is its "ex libris." It was built by Countess Mumadona, to protect the population from the attacks of Moorish. Later on, D. Teresa de Leão and her husband Count D. Henrique, parents of the 1st Portuguese king, D. Afonso Henriques, moved to the castle, and so the legend says that their son was born here, in 1109. Thirty years later, it was he who achieved the independence of the County of Portugal (the southern part of the Kingdom of Galicia) from Spain and founded a new kingdom. In those years, this military fortification became the **official royal residence, **and ever since, Guimarães is recognized as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation. 

Largo da Oliveira

Less than one kilometer from the Castle, there is a lovely and lively Largo da Oliveira (The Olive Tree Square) named after a centuries-old olive tree that you can still find on this square. This famous meeting point of locals is packed with cafés and cute shops, and framed with historical buildings. Another interesting feature is a Gothic shrine "Padrão do Salado," built to celebrate the defeat of the Moorish army from Granada in 1339. Between bars and cafés, there is also the old Town Hall, set in a medieval building now hosting an art museum, and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. 

Plataforma das Artes e da Criatividade

For a glimpse of modern Guimarães, a visit to Plataforma das Artes e da Criatividade can be a good idea.  This was one of many fascinating projects in the frame of the European Capital of Culture in 2012 when an old marketplace was transformed into a multifunctional space dedicated to social, artistic, educational, economic, and cultural activities. The building houses a **permanent art collection **of José Guimarães in its "Art Center," which has a temporary exhibition area and a space for additional activities such as workshops, but also performances and shows. The place is also a hub for creative minds and new **business ideas **related mostly to creative industries.

Regional Gastronomy 

As in many other Portuguese cities, plates come fully in Guimarães. Regional gastronomy is more meat-oriented, as Guimarães is not by the sea, so expect cow and goat meat ("vitela assada" or "cabrito assado"). Of course, bacalhau (codfish) is widely available, and the one especially loved here is "bacalhau assado" (baked in the oven). Regional sweets are based on egg yolks, almonds, and cinnamon, and the most famous one is certainly "toucinho do céu" ("bacon from heaven"). It has nothing to do with bacon, but as it originally used to be made with lard, the deceptive name stayed. Locals say that the best "toucinho do céu" can be tasted in the "Solar do Arco" restaurant.