Guimarães is considered the birthplace of Portugal because Afonso Henriques, who went on to be the first king of Portugal, was born here.
The city was chosen by the first king of Portugal in 1128 as his administrative base. Today it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city still has a harmonious, well-preserved heritage that is evident in the graceful iron verandas, granite balconies and porticos, mansions, arches connecting the narrow streets, paving slabs smoothed by time, towers and cloisters. For a moment you might imagine yourself to be in a medieval setting, where the nobility built their houses over time.
The historic area with squares, its shopping areas and cafés are other features that give Guimarães its unique atmosphere.