Guimarães Castle – Ducal Palace | Aerial View 4K
Discover Guimarães Castle, the birthplace of a nation, where Portugal’s first steps were carved in stone.
Located in the district of Braga, the picturesque city of Guimarães is one of the most important historical destinations of the country. D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, chose this ancient Roman city as the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal after its victory in the Battle of São Mamede in 1128. Known as the “Cradle of the Nation”, Guimarães is a fascinating place to visit, with its proud castle and well preserved medieval quarter. The city was classified as a World Heritage by UNESCO.
Guimarães Castle
The imposing tower of Guimarães castle dominates the entire horizon. This shield-shaped castle was built in the tenth century to protect the city from the invaders and enlarged in the twelfth century, to be used as arsenal and palace. According to legend, the first king of Portugal was born here. Visitors can walk along the castle walls and visit the small Romanesque chapel of St. Michael. In 1910, the castle was classified as a national monument.
Ducal Palace
The Ducal Palace exhibits unusual architectural influences from Northern Europe. Built in the fifteenth century by the first Duke of Bragança, this impressive building was eventually abandoned and fell into ruin, having been restored during Salazar’s dictatorship. The museum and the main rooms house beautiful pieces of Renaissance furniture, superb Flemish tapestries and Persian rugs. The Palace is classified as a national monument and is now used as the official residence of the President of the Republic.