Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira

The basics

The Church of Our Lady of the Olive Branch, founded on the location in the 10th century, has a fascinating origin story steeped in legend. According to ancient lore, Wamba, the elected King of the Visigoths, was so displeased with his title that he cast an olive branch to the ground, vowing only to accept the crown if the stick sprouted. Miraculously, an olive tree bloomed at the spot. Today, the Padrão do Salado monument stands proudly in front of the church, a grand Gothic arch sheltering a lone cross marking the site of this legendary event.

Things to know before you go

• The church is closed for a few hours in the middle of each day, so it's best to visit in the morning or late afternoon.

• Located right in the middle of the Historic Center, the church is surrounded by the town's main attractions, making it a busy little spot throughout the day.

• There are a few cafes and bars around the outskirts of the square, from where you can sit back with a drink and admire the church.

How to get there

The iconic Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira lies in the heart of the Historical Center of Guimarães, surrounded by a bustling square and other attractions. This makes it easy to walk to, being almost impossible to miss when exploring the city. Guimarães is just a short 30-minute drive southeast of Braga, and there are also local buses throughout the day connecting the two cities, making it easy to visit on a day trip.

When to get there

The best time to visit Guimarães is between the warmer months of April to October when the average temperature is around the 70s. If you prefer to avoid the summer crowds in the historical center, however, then it's recommended to visit during spring or fall, outside of peak season. Otherwise, try visiting in the morning, before the midday crowds and day trippers arrive.

Highlights of the interior

While the exterior is all-imposing, there are some absolute treasures to admire inside the church. In particular, the magnificent and ornate altarpiece of the High Altar dates back to the late 18th century and is the main feature at the front of the church. Large baroque canvases from the 18th century adorn the alcoves along the walls and are attributed to Pedro Alexandrino.