Guimaraes Emaj Boutique Hotel

What to do

Guimarães, originally called  VIMARANES (which originated the name vimaranenses to the population), has origin in the 10th century, when the Countess Mumadona Dias ordered the construction of a monastery in her property – named as Vila Baixa. After that, to protect the population, she ordered the construction of a castle, located on a hill – called as Vila Alta, united to Vila Baixa by Santa Maria Street (about 500m from EMAJ).

Over the years, Vimaranes has gained more importance and was designated as capital of Condado Portucalense, which belonged to the Count D. Henrique, married with Teresa de Leão – illegitimate daughter of Afonso VI, king of Leão and Castela. After the death of D. Henrique the county was governed by D. Teresa who joins a Galician count called Fernão Peres de Trava.

In 24th June 1158 occurred the S. Mamede battle, where Afonso Henriques, son of D. Henrique and D. Teresa, confronts this count and his mother, managing to expel the Galicians. Then, in 1143, and after the signature of the Treaty of Zamora, D. Afonso Henriques is proclaimed king of Portugal – The Conqueror, first king of Portugal.

Guimarães is raised to city in 1853, by the queen D. Maria II. Its Historic Center is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 and the city is recognized as European Capital of Culture in 2012 and as European City of Sports in 2013.

A little more about Guimarães…

  • Typical Dishes: Traditional dishes of Minho – cod, rojões, roasted veal and goatling.
  • Traditional Sweets: Tortas de Guimarães and Toucinho do Céu.
  • Wines: Green wine from the region.
  • Main Traditions: Gualterianas (august), Nicolinas (November and December), Santa Luzia festivities (December), Romaria Grande de S.Torcato (July) and Feira Afonsina (June).

Don’t miss out…

  • Historical Center;
  • Colina Sagrada or Monte Latito: Castle of Guimarães, Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, Chapel of S. Miguel;
  • Alberto Sampaio Museum;
  • Martins Sarmento Archaeological Museum
  • Church of S. Francisco, Church of Our Lady of Oliveira and Church of Our Lady of Consolação e Santos Passos, among others;
  • Village and Basilica of S. Torcato;
  • Leather Zone;
  • Citânia de Briteiros;
  • Penha Montain – Cable car, Santuário da Penha, caves and pedestrian trails, traditional taverns, Pio IX;
  • Campo da Ataca (Battle of S. Mamede);
  • Roman Bridges and Medieval Bridges;
  • Old Baths – Taipas;
  • City Park and Gardens of the Vila Flor Palace;
  • Casa da Memória and José de Guimarães International Center for the Arts;
  • Afonso Henriques Stadium – Vitória Sport Clube.

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