Guimarães Castle — Attraction in Guimarães

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....

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...

The Guimarães Castle (Castelo de Guimarães) is an exceptionally unique and profoundly significant landmark, considered the birthplace of Portugal and a powerful symbol of national identity.

What sets it apart is its early medieval Romanesque military architecture, remarkably well-preserved, showcasing its role as a key defensive stronghold in the formation of the Portuguese kingdom. Its most distinctive features include its imposing rectangular keep (Torre de Menagem), towering above the surrounding walls, and its eight robust battlements, each designed for strategic defense.

The castle's raw stone construction and sturdy fortifications evoke a palpable sense of its ancient purpose. Its profound historical importance stems from its traditional role as the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, Portugal's first king, and its strategic function during the tumultuous Reconquista period. Standing proudly atop a hill, the Guimarães Castle offers a unique and direct connection to the very origins of Portugal as an...