Guimarães Castle (Castelo de Guimarães)
Rua Conde Dom Henrique, Guimarães, Braga
Built in the 10th century to defend the city of Guimarães against attacks from the Moors and Normans, Guimarães Castle is a perfectly preserved example of military architecture. The castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features turrets and towers reminiscent of fairy-tale castles.
Options for visiting Guimarães Castle are plentiful, with a wide variety of day trips available from Porto. Nearly all tours combine a visit to Guimarães with ample time in Braga, a 2,000-year-old city home to a Romanesque cathedral and the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, an ancient church that resembles a castle. Travelers can choose between a shared or private tour that allows you to customize your itinerary according to personal preferences.
Guimarães Castle is a must-see for visitors interested in Portugal’s history.
Day trips from Porto last upwards of eight hours.
Visitors can walk along the castle walls and visit the chapel inside.
The castle has a gift shop selling refreshments and souvenirs.
The town of Guimarães is best reached from Porto, 34 miles (55 kilometers) away. From the Porto airport, take the metro to either Campanhã or São Bento to catch the train to Guimarães. Alternatively, a direct bus from the airport runs to Guimarães multiple times a day.
Guimarães Castle is open from 9:30am to 6pm daily, but closes on Christian religious holidays such as Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.
Guimarães and Braga are located in the Minho region of Portugal, which is often referred to as the cradle of Portuguese history and culture. Guimarães highlights include its historical center, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just outside nearby Braga, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is renowned for its photogenic entranceway.
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