Guimaraes

About

Founded in the 4th century, the city became Portugal’s first capital when the nation declared its independence in the mid-12th. The medieval settlement has been preserved in the town center, and shows the development of Portuguese architecture from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The medieval style of a stone ground floor and half-timbered structure above preserved here was disseminated to Portuguese colonies in Africa and the New World. The city’s medieval architecture is best represented by its the castle and monastic complex. During the nation’s boom period in the Renaissance, many noble houses and scenic city squares were constructed.