Guimarães Castle
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A historical city: Guimar
KittyKitty
330
Recognized by many as the castle that, par excellence, is linked to the origins of Portugal, the Castle of Guimarães is a surprising structure in many ways. First of all, because of its origins, which are singularly obscure. It is certain that we are facing a county structure, the result of the initiative of the emblematic Portuguese countess, D. Mumadona Dias. Not being mentioned in a detailed document of property sharing between the countess and her children, in the middle of 950, we can infer that at that time it still did not exist. But at the end of that same year, 950, it is already mentioned, in a donation in which the Monastery of Guimarães is mentioned under its authority. It is, therefore, a condal foundation, from the second half of the 10th century. The Countess Mumadona herself declares, in a parchment dated 968, that she had founded it to protect the Guimarães monastery from the attack of the “gentiles” (referring to probably the Normans). This primitive castle, nestled between the granite outcrops, must have been built in wood and few traces remain. At the end of the 11th century, during the government of the counts D. Henrique and D. Teresa, the castle underwent a profound renovation, of which traces remain, especially on the north facade, facing Campo de S. Mamede, where the base of the walls presents a different phase, with large stones. These vestiges document an enclosure with a rounded floor plan. It was this castle that faced the forces of Alfonso VII of León and Castile, when the monarch laid siege to the infant D. Afonso Henriques.
Artur VictoriaArtur Victoria
10
In the tenth century Countess Mumadona Dias, after becoming a widow, had a monastery built in her homestead of Vimaranes - today Guimarães. The constant attacks by the Moors and Normans leads to the need to build a fortress to guard and defend the surrounding monks and Christian community. Thus arises the primitive Guimarães Castle. In the twelfth century, with the formation of Condado Portucalense, come to Guimarães Count D. Henrique and D. Teresa who have done major works in the Castle in order to expand it and make it stronger. Tradition has it that it would have been inside the Castle that the counts established residence and probably D. Afonso Henriques was born there. Between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries several kings will contribute with works of improvement and restoration of the Castle. Linked to heroic exploits of the founding period of nationality such as the Battle of S.Mamede in 1128, which is why it is known as Foundation Castle or S. Mamede, it has also served throughout its stage history to various real conflicts. Lost since its defensive function, the Castle enters a process of abandonment and progressive degradation until the twentieth century, when it is declared a National Monument and restoration works are carried out.
M. HerrnM. Herrn
00
Das Guimarães Castle, auch bekannt als Castelo de Guimarães, ist ein beeindruckendes historisches Wahrzeichen in Portugal, das tief in der Geschichte des Landes verwurzelt ist. Das im 10. Jahrhundert errichtete Schloss liegt in der Stadt Guimarães und gilt als die "Wiege der Nation", da es eine bedeutende Rolle in der Entstehung Portugals spielte. Die mächtigen Steinmauern und die gut erhaltenen Türme vermitteln ein Gefühl der Zeitlosigkeit und Stärke. Besonders beeindruckend ist der zentrale Donjon, der höchste Punkt des Schlosses, von dem aus man eine atemberaubende Aussicht auf die Stadt und die umliegende Landschaft haben soll. Das Schlossgelände ist gut gepflegt und bietet viele informative Schautafeln, die die Geschichte und Bedeutung der einzelnen Teile der Festung erläutern. Ein Spaziergang durch die Burgmauern und über die Zinnen ist wie eine Reise in die Vergangenheit. Man kann sich leicht vorstellen, wie es war, in einer so strategisch wichtigen Festung zu leben und zu arbeiten. Ein Highlight des Besuchs ist die Besichtigung der kleinen Kapelle São Miguel, die sich innerhalb der Schlossmauern befindet. Diese Kapelle soll der Ort sein, an dem der erste König von Portugal, Afonso Henriques, getauft wurde. Dies verleiht dem Ort eine zusätzliche historische und kulturelle Tiefe. Das Personal vor Ort ist freundlich und gut informiert und steht bereit, um Fragen zu beantworten und zusätzliche Informationen zu geben. Die Eintrittspreise sind angemessen, und es gibt auch Ermäßigungen für Kinder, Senioren und Studenten. Ein Besuch im Guimarães Castle ist ein Muss für jeden Geschichtsinteressierten und für diejenigen, die ein tieferes Verständnis der portugiesischen Kultur und Geschichte erlangen möchten. Es ist nicht nur ein architektonisches Juwel, sondern auch ein Symbol des nationalen Stolzes. Ein Ausflug hierher ist lehrreich und inspirierend und hinterlässt einen bleibenden Eindruck. Insgesamt ist das Guimarães Castle ein fesselndes und unvergessliches Ziel, das die Bedeutung und den Charme der portugiesischen Geschichte wunderbar zur Schau stellt.
Christian BeermannChristian Beermann
10
We really enjoyed the castle and the palace for the Dukes of Braganza. I didn't actually know it was there when I booked the pousada in Guimarães. What a wonderful find! The the castle itself was very basic but still interesting and nice views. The palace however was quite extensive and had lots of various furniture and art as well as many rooms that let you imagine what it was like to live there. There was also a museum. This is located right downtown, we just walked along and had an excellent lunch afterwards down the street. Very relaxing day. I would have allowed two to three hours to have a leisurely stroll through but if you're in a hurry you could probably do it in 60 / 70 minutes.
Ann TgmailAnn Tgmail
00
I'm glad we stopped by this castle on our way to bom jesus do Monte. What I love the most about this castle and other Portuguese castles are the fact that you can go up and walk around the sides of the wall. It makes me reminisce about soldiers who patrol the area back in the time tunnel. We visited this castle during a cloudy day and it rained slightly when we went. We were pretty much the only visitors for that reason. Be careful if you go here while it rains because some part of the rock or stairs could be really slippery. They also have student prices to lower the entrance fee. You can also see the palace of the Duke of Braganza from the castle tower.
Marcella AgustinaMarcella Agustina
00
Nearby Attractions Of Guimarães Castle
Palace Duques de Bragança
Aqui Nasceu Portugal
Largo do Toural
Guimarães Historical City Centre
Penha Cable Car
Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos
Eglise Notre-Dame de la Consolation
Parque da Cidade
Padrão do Salado
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira
Palace Duques de Bragança
4.6
(2.5K)Click for details
Aqui Nasceu Portugal
4.7
(2.3K)Click for details
Largo do Toural
4.6
(2.1K)Click for details
Guimarães Historical City Centre
4.8
(1.7K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Guimarães Castle
Taberna Trovador
Histórico by Papaboa
Pregaria de Guimarães
Buxa
CASA AMARELA
Restaurante Solar do Arco
Museu do Presunto Snack-bar
Résvés
Deguste by Pedro Pinto
Restaurante Virtudes
Taberna Trovador
4.5
(1.1K)$
Click for details
Histórico by Papaboa
4.5
(934)$$
Click for details
Pregaria de Guimarães
4.5
(824)Click for details
Buxa
4.4
(853)$$
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
R. Conde Dom Henrique, 4800-412 Guimarães, Portugal
Map
Phone
+351 253 412 273
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Website
pacodosduques.gov.pt
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Reviews
Overview
4.5
(11.9K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
Description
The Castle of Guimarães, is the principal medieval castle in the municipality Guimarães, in the northern region of Portugal. It was built under the orders of Mumadona Dias in the 10th century to defend the monastery from attacks by Moors and Norsemen.
attractions: Palace Duques de Bragança, Aqui Nasceu Portugal, Largo do Toural, Guimarães Historical City Centre, Penha Cable Car, Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos, Eglise Notre-Dame de la Consolation, Parque da Cidade, Padrão do Salado, Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, restaurants: Taberna Trovador, Histórico by Papaboa, Pregaria de Guimarães, Buxa, CASA AMARELA, Restaurante Solar do Arco, Museu do Presunto Snack-bar, Résvés, Deguste by Pedro Pinto, Restaurante Virtudes
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