Exploring Guimaraes and Braga

What to see in Guimaraes? One of the main attractions in Guimaraes is the historical center, a maze of alleys that lead to picturesque squares surrounded by buildings of the 14th century. The entire old town of Guimaraes has been included in the UNESCO world heritage sites and, in 2012, the city was chosen as the European Capital of Culture.

The picturesque Oliveira Square in the historic center of Guimaraes, animated by the tourists among the many restaurants in the summer, where visitors can taste typical local products.

The ancient palaces and houses of medieval origin, very well preserved, in the historic center of Guimaraes.

During the night, the historic center of Guimaraes is filled with tourists who have dinner and spend time sitting at the tables of the many restaurants.

A short distance from the castle of Guimaraes, stands the magnificent palace of Dukes of Braganca (Paco dos Duques de Braganca), dating from the 15th century and subsequently restored to become a fortress first, then the presidential residence of Salazar during the last century.

The rooms of the Palace of Dukes of Braganza are sumptuously furnished with Flemish tapestries and large tapestries depicting Portugal's attempts to conquer North Africa.

Not far from the palace of the Dukes of Braganza, stands the small church of St. Michael of the Castle (Igreja de São Miguel do Castelo) from the Middle Ages, built almost entirely with granite blocks.

One of the main attractions in Braga are the remains from Roman era, some of which were discovered only recently during the excavation works for the construction of a building. The complex dates back to the 2nd century AD and was probably abandoned in the 5th century. These Roman ruins belong to a thermal complex (Termas Romanas do Alto Cividale) with an amphitheater still partially buried.

The Fountain of Idolo is another remain from Roman times and was open to the public only recently. On the fountain there is a carving representing a human figure dressed in a toga, holding a cornucopia in his hand.

The church of the Coimbras (Capela dos Coimbras) is located in the center of Braga and is characterized by a facade covered with ceramic tiles. The interior is very interesting, but currently the church is closed to the public and therefore it was not possible to visit it.

Raio Palace (Palacio do Raio), also called Casa do Mexicano, is a building dating back to the mid-18th century. It is built in Baroque style and has a facade almost completely covered with azulejos (ceramic tiles). Inside, the palace hosts various exhibitions and a small museum.

The flowerbeds of the gardens of St. Barbara in Braga (Jardim de Santa Barbara) adorn a 17th-century square, where ancient buildings used as a university site, are opposed to the most modern buildings.

Among the attractions in Braga, we find one that often appears in the tourist brochures of Portugal: the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte), a large structure dating from the late 18th century and built in neoclassical style. The sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is located a few kilometers from the center of Braga: the whole complex includes a path decorated with miniature chapels and a stairway that represent the Sacred Way to earn salvation.