Description of the attraction
Guimaraes is considered the cradle of Portugal. The central part of the city, in which there are many historical monuments, perfectly preserved to our times, attracts both tourists and local residents.
One of the most outstanding monuments of the city is Guimaraes Castle, built in the 10th century. The founder of the castle is considered to be Don Mumadona Dias, who gave the order to build a castle on the top in order to protect the monastery founded by her from the invasion of Muslims and Normans.
Previously, on the site of the city of Guimaraes, there was a small village of Vimaranensh. About a hundred years later, the village became part of the lands donated to Henry of Burgundy, who was granted the title of "Count". Count Heinrich and his wife chose the village as their residence. By that time, the fortress was almost destroyed and in need of restoration. The count decided to destroy what was left of the castle and expand the boundaries of the castle. The new structure became more durable, a gate was built in the west and east. And since 1139, when Portugal became independent, the castle became the official royal residence. After that, the castle was rebuilt several times. Various buildings were completed, walls were strengthened. During the reign of King Miguel, the castle was used for some time as a political prison.
In the middle of the 19th century, Guimaraes received the status of a city. In 1881, King Luis I declared the castle a historical monument by his decree. In 1910, the castle was included in the list of monuments of national importance and in 1937 a complete restoration of this unusual and historical monument was carried out.
