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University of Minho Department of Civil Engineering |
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GUIMARÃES | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Brief history of Portugal
The city of Guimarães is located in the province of Minho, in the northwest of Portugal. The history of Guimarães is close related with the foundation of the Portuguese nationality. An independent kingdom since 1143, Portugal established its continental frontiers in 1297 and is one of the oldest nations in Europe. The city of Guimarães is the “cradle” of the nation and was the residence of the first King of Portugal, since the Battle of São Mamede in 1128. The city is famous not only for its architectural heritage (world heritage) but also the food, popular traditions and handcrafts. The city is full of scenic and historical sites with medieval atmosphere.
The province of Minho is full of scenic and historical sites, being particularly famous for the production of the well-known wine "Vinho Verde". To the North of the region, it is possible to find the National Park of Peneda-Gerês with its rocky mountains, cascades, lakes and abundant wildlife. To the South-east, the famous Douro river valley, where the Port wine grapes are grown. To the South-west, it is possible to find the cosmopolitan city of Porto with its international airport. Certainly some of the most popular sites to be seen are the impressive architectural heritage along the banks of the Douro River, the famous bridges and the Port wine cellars.
The city of Guimarães The city of Guimarães, the “birth” of the nation, with medieval castle and walls, houses a magnificently well-preserved historic centre. A city historical centre, whaich has been classified as World Heritage, is full of historical reminiscences and, in its mediaeval streets, it has successfully preserved its ancient heritage and public spaces. Guimarães has a very special symbolic value, for it was in a field close to the walls of its castle that Dom Afonso Henriques won the Battle of São Mamede and then set about building the kingdom of Portugal, of which he was to be the first king. If you wish to revisit this city's rich history, there are many places that you cannot afford to miss: the site known as the Sacred Hill, crowned by the Castle, as well as the small Romanesque church of São Miguel. Nearby is the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, which is now a museum, although the original building dates back to the 15th century, and do not forget to tour the Largo da Oliveira, in the heart of the city's historical centre. In the cloisters of the church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira is the Alberto Sampaio Museum; and the cloister of São Domingos Convent houses the Martins Sarmento Museum. In the ancient dominican convent stands the Sacred Art Museum. Also deserving special mentions are the church of Santos Passos, and the onastery of Santa Marinha da Costa (converted in to a pousada). You can also enjoy a magnificent view over the city by climbing to the top of the Monte da Penha , which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the valley. You can make this journey by cable car, a trip that takes only a few minutes from the city to the site of the shrine dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Penha.
A walking tour through the historic centre of Guimarães This tour of the historic centre begins in the Largo da Oliveira , which owes its name to an ancient olive-tree planted here. Ringed by typically picturesque northern houses, this is the ideal starting point for a walk around the city's streets. On the eastern side, you must make sure to see a curious Gothic shrine built in the reign of Dom Afonso IV to commemorate the victory over the Moors at the Battle of Salado. Behind this is the Nossa Senhora de Oliveira Church (or the Colegiada Church), a Gothic monument built at the orders of Dom João I, in fulfilment of a vow made in return for victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota (1385). Inside its gracious cloister, the Alberto Sampaio Museum is now housed, with its remarkable collection of mediaeval and Renaissance silverware. On the northern side of the square, attention is drawn to the mediaeval building of the former Town Hall (the Paços do Concelho), surmounted at its top by a stone sculpture. Underneath, a Gothic arcade gallery leads to the Largo de São Tiago , one of the city's most characteristic public spaces, ringed by beautiful houses built in the typical northern style and dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, where one can admire the beautiful woodwork of the balconies and where, according to tradition, St. James the apostle placed an image of the Virgin Mary in a pagan temple, which is why the square is now known as the Largo de São Tiago (St. James' Square). Walk along the narrow Santa Maria Road , one of the first streets to be built in Guimarães, where there is a range of architectural styles testifying to the city's varied past and where, in the Middle Ages, the high clergy, nobility and wealthy merchants all lived. You may also choose to leave the Largo da Oliveira and head for the harmonious Largo do Toural , whose architecture shows the concern for open and ample spaces that was typical of town planning in the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century, revealing the different phases of urban history that Guimarães has succeeded in preserving. Continuing along Paio Galvão Road , you will come to the Martins Sarmento Museum , dedicated to archaeological collections and occupying part of the beautiful mediaeval cloisters of the São Domingos Convent . Walking alongside the convent, you will arrive at Dom João I Road , flanked by old houses and balconies. At the end of the street is the Senhora da Ajuda little Chapel , with the year 1600 carved into the stone.
Local Gastronomy - Cuisine specialities Whilst Guimarães is already a well-known cultural centre, it is also important for its cuisine. The city is famous for the treatment given to its dishes, which makes them different from everything else that is to be found in the country's northern region. If you're fond of soups , choose the Canja Olhuda (Chicken Broth) or the Sopa de Nabos (Turnip Soup), or perhaps taste the Sopa de Lavrador (Vegetable Soup) or the famous Caldo Verde (Cabbage Soup with spicy sausage ). If you like fish , cod is the most popular dish. Try the Bacalhau Recheado (Stuffed Cod), Bolinhos de Bacalhau (Cod Cakes), Pataniscas (Fried Cod mixed with eggs and flower) or the delicious Bacalhau Fr ito (Fried Cod). If you prefer meat , you will enjoy the Vitela com Batatas Loiras e Arroz Seco (Veal, potatoes and rice), the Cabrito or Perna de Porco Assada (Roast Kid or Leg of Pork) and, if you wish to sample some typical dishes from the Minho, you should try the Rojões (crisp grilled pork meat) and the Papas de Sarrabulho (a dish made out of pig's blood). Finally, you can always try the Pica no Chão , a dish of rice and chicken, and the Bucho (stuffed pig's belly), a dish which is typically from Guimarães, distinguished by the particular way in which it has been stuffed. Amongst the sweets and puddings , bequeathed to us by the nuns of the Convento de Santa Clara, attention is drawn to the Rabanadas (slices of fried bread dipped in egg), Mexidos (eggs and almonds), Aletria (vermicelli) and Leite Creme (custard cream), as well as the famous Toucinho do Céu (sugar, eggs and almonds), the incomparable Tortas de Guimarães (tarts) and the Brisas da Penha (cakes made of eggs, sugar and almonds).
Handicrafts
• Embroideries,
linen, textiles and tapestry
Tourist Information
Tourist Office -
Comissão Municipal de Turismo
Online Tourist
Information
www.portugal.org/index.shtml
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