The Cradle of Portugal
Perched on a sacred hill (Latito Hill) overlooking the historic city of Guimarães, the Castelo de Guimarães is one of the most important monuments in Portuguese history. It is affectionately known as the 'Cradle of Portugal' (Berço da Nação). It was here, in the 12th century, that the independent Kingdom of Portugal was forged, separating from the Kingdom of León. The castle's rugged, unadorned stone walls and seven square towers are a perfect example of early Romanesque military architecture, symbolizing the raw strength and determination of the young nation.
The Birth of a King
The castle's history begins in the 10th century when the Countess Mumadona Dias built a fortress to protect the monastery of São Mamede from Viking and Moorish raids. However, its most famous moment came later. In the 11th century, Count Henry of Burgundy took up residence here. It is widely believed that his son, Afonso Henriques, was born within these walls in 1109.
Afonso Henriques would go on to become the first King of Portugal. In 1128, he fought the Battle of São Mamede just outside the castle, defeating his own mother, Theresa of León, and her Galician allies. This battle is considered the foundational moment of Portuguese independence. To this day, Afonso is revered as the 'Conqueror,' and his baptismal font is preserved in the small Romanesque chapel of São Miguel, located just down the slope from the castle keep. The floor of the chapel is paved with gravestones of ancient knights, adding to the solemn atmosphere.
Architecture and Decline
Unlike the ornate palaces of Sintra (like Pena Palace), Guimarães Castle is a pure fortress. Its design is shield-shaped, with a central keep (Torre de Menagem) standing 27 meters high. The keep was built later, in the 13th century, by King Dinis. It was designed to be the final refuge during a siege, accessible only by a retractable wooden bridge on the second floor. Visitors can walk along the battlements (chemin de ronde) that connect the towers, offering sweeping views of the city and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza below.
By the 15th century, with the Reconquista complete and the borders secure, the castle lost its military importance. It was used as a debtors' prison for a time and then fell into a long period of decay. By the 19th century, it was in such a state of ruin that there were plans to demolish it and use the stones to pave the streets of Guimarães. Thankfully, a group of patriotic locals—the 'Martins Sarmento Society'—campaigned to save it, recognizing its symbolic value to the nation. It was declared a National Monument in 1910.
The Palace of the Dukes
Just a stone's throw from the castle stands the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (Paço dos Duques de Bragança). Built in the 15th century by Afonso, the first Duke of Braganza (an illegitimate son of King John I), it is a unique building influenced by Northern European architecture, featuring distinctive cylindrical brick chimneys. During the Salazar dictatorship in the 20th century, the palace was controversially restored to serve as an official residence for the President. Today, it is a museum housing vast collections of tapestries, furniture, and weapons, contrasting the medieval austerity of the castle with the Renaissance luxury of the palace.
The Battle of São Mamede
The field of São Mamede, located near the castle, is hallowed ground. It was here that the young Afonso Henriques faced the forces of his mother, Queen Theresa, and her lover, Count Fernão Peres de Trava. The battle was a civil war between the Portuguese nobility, who wanted independence, and the Galician nobility, who wanted to keep Portugal as a vassal of León. Afonso's victory was absolute, forcing his mother to surrender the government to him. It is a dramatic story of family conflict and political ambition that laid the foundation for Portugal's Golden Age of Discovery. Every year, during the 'Feira Afonsina,' the battle is reenacted by locals, bringing the medieval history of the city to life with authentic costumes and weapons.
Visitor Information
Guimarães Castle is part of the UNESCO World Heritage historic center of Guimarães. It is open daily to the public. The walk up to the castle through the park is pleasant, passing the statue of Afonso Henriques, who stands guard with his sword and shield. A combined ticket allows entry to the Castle, the Palace of the Dukes, and the Alberto Sampaio Museum.
For any Portuguese person, visiting Guimarães is a pilgrimage to the roots of their identity. The city walls still bear the inscription 'Aqui Nasceu Portugal'—Here Portugal Was Born. It is a place of memory, where the stones themselves seem to echo the clash of swords and the birth of a kingdom. The city itself is incredibly well-preserved, with medieval squares and narrow streets that make you feel like you've stepped back in time.