Guimarães and Braga: cities that wrote the history of Portugal

We start with Guimarães. The city where Portugal was born is 40 minutes from Porto airport.

It is the birthplace of the country because it is linked to the foundation of Portugal – and because it is believed that D. Afonso Henriques, the 1st King of Portugal, was born here.

Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this city seems to be part of the Middle Ages, by the way castles and mansions are framed in the urban mesh.

A little further north is Braga, a city known for its heritage and strong religious character, which they also call the "city of archbishops".

The more than 2,000 years of history makes it one of the oldest Portuguese cities and one of the most emblematic Christian cities in the world.

It was called "Bracara Augusta" during the European rule of the Romans, as a tribute to Emperor Caesar Augustus. It has a long history that can be proven by the various monuments, churches and cathedrals scattered throughout the city, in a combination of various styles ranging from Roman to Baroque.

Portugal's entire history between mysteries and tradition

This intimate tour begins where it all began, or rather, where Portugal started. Guimarães is known for its iron balconies, its granite counters, or for the majestic mansions and narrow streets that invite us to understand why Portugal was born here.

All this in the unique and atmospheric setting of a period film.

Even today, with its heritage preserved and in perfect harmony with the city, Guimarães invites you to get to know the castles, hermitages and palaces.

Dare to unravel the mysteries hidden in the historic centre of Guimarães and get lost in the centuries-old buildings and sidewalks that will make your experience unforgettable.

Moreover, it is a city with its very own culture and with a people very proud of their origins, roots, and the history they carry on their shoulders.

In 2012, it became, after Lisbon (1994) and Porto (2001), the 3rd Portuguese city to be chosen as a European Capital of Culture.

Guimarães was also the first Portuguese city with a cable car, opened in 1995, and that connects the city to Penha Mountain, over a distance of 1700 metres that can be done in just 10 minutes. It is well worth seeing the city from this perspective.

And in Minho, what do you eat?

Before going to Braga, in this visit designed with you in mind, you have to taste the regional gastronomy that will warm your soul and fill your belly with happiness.

From roasted kid to famous Rojões, through minho-style cod or sarrabulho porridge, whatever your choice we promise you one thing: it will be a memorable meal.

For dessert, try the Abade de Priscos pudding, the Fidalguinhos or the Fatias Doces, then you will understand why this is also the capital of convent sweets.

Older than the Cathedral of Braga

There is a reason for this popular expression.
There is, in Braga, a monument that was built before Portugal was a country: the cathedral of the city. History confirms the existence of the See since the year 400. The current construction began with Bishop D. Pedro (1070-1093), almost 1000 years ago. That's right.
Get ready for your mouth to drop open with the grandeur of the building.

However, for those who want to have a moment of self-examination, a visit to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Braga is a must.

The Sanctuary with its unique staircase of more than 500 steps, it is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. If you like a good adventure, hop on the famous funicular —the oldest elevator in the world using a water balance system, which is still in operation—and feel the peace the place conveys when you get up there.

Braga is one of the favourite destinations for those looking for religious tourism, whether for its celebrations, which are most prominent in Holy Week, or for all the churches, cathedrals and palaces scattered throughout the city.

The city also has the pilgrimage to the Sameiro Sanctuary, the 2nd most important sanctuary in Portugal, after the Sanctuary of Fatima.

They are more than enough to persuade you to make your reservation now.

Board with us and explore Minho's unique culture

Come and discover castles and cathedrals, granite streets and sanctuaries, on a private visit to the best Portugal has to offer.

Discover secrets of the past in two of the most authentic cities in our country in an experience that can take up to 12 hours.

Set up your tour with us and come and discover two of the most important cities in the country.