precious-postcards

Historic Centre of Guimarães

The historic town of Guimarães is associated with the emergence of the Portuguese national identity in the 12th century. An exceptionally well-preserved and authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern town, its rich building typology exemplifies the specific development of Portuguese architecture from the 15th to 19th century through the consistent use of traditional building materials and techniques.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1031

The historic centre of Guimarães is known for its medieval building techniques, that have been transmitted to the Portuguese colonies. This well-preserved town shows the evolution of this techniques from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

Notable constructions include:

- The half-timbered houses

- Castle

- Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira

- Palace of the Dukes of Bragança

- Town Hall

Guimaraes played an important role in the formation of Portugal in the 12th century. The region was given as a feudal property to the family that created the country in the 12th century. In 1139 Count Dom Afonso Henriques declared the independence of Portugal from León and took the name of Afonso I as the first king of the new kingdom. 

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/guimaraes.html