Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Guimarães

Guimarães was settled in the 9th century, at which time it was called Vimaranes. This name might have had its origin in the warrior Vímara Peres, who chose this area as the main government seat for the County of Portugal which he conquered for the Kingdom of Galicia. Guimarães has a significant historical importance due to the role it played in the foundation of Portugal. The city is commonly referred to as "the cradle city" because it was in Guimarães that Portugal's first King, Afonso Henriques was born, and also due to the fact that the Battle of São Mamede – which is considered the seminal event for the foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal – was fought in the vicinity of the city. Legend suggests that it was the sight of the baptism of the young Afonso Henriques. These claims are contradictory, since the date of the church's founding has been suggested to be during the reign of Afonso II of Portugal. It was constructed within the circle of the Castle of Guimarães, with which it intimately shares a relationship. A few authors date its probable construction to the 9th or 10th century, during the era of Countess Mumadona Dias. This current of nationalist histography, dates to the 19th century and continues to this day. This interpretation contradicts that date of its consecration and first reference by the church. The church was first referenced in 1216. Its construction occurred even as this group of clergy were quarrelling with the powerful Archbishop of Braga, which later led to armed confrontation.

Guimarães was settled in the 9th century, at which time it was called Vimaranes. This name might have had its origin in the warrior Vímara Peres, who chose this area as the main government seat for the County of Portugal which he conquered for the Kingdom of Galicia. Guimarães has a significant historical importance due to the role it played in the foundation of Portugal. The city is commonly referred to as "the cradle city" because it was in Guimarães that Portugal's first King, Afonso Henriques was born, and also due to the fact that the Battle of São Mamede – which is considered the seminal event for the foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal – was fought in the vicinity of the city. The Paço dos Duques de Bragança was ordered to be built in the first quarter of the 15th century by Afonso, Count of Barcelos, the illegitimate son of João I, and future Duke of Braganza. Yet, by 1442, it was still under construction when the Regent Pedro I ("The Cruel") came to Guimarães and stayed at the Palace, at the time conferring on his half-brother the title of 1st Duke of Braganza. The commission continued into 1461. After Afonso died in 1461, property and titles passed on to his brother, Fernando, although the widow, Constança de Noronha, continued to live at the residence and received the land rents from the holdings in Guimarães.

It is widely believed, that the first King of Portugal, Afonso I (aka "Afonso o Conquistador"), was born in Guimarães in 1109, so Guimarães is sometimes referred to as the "birthplace of the Portuguese nationality" . For some decades, Guimarães was the capital of the County of Portugal, however due to the needs of the Reconquista, Coimbra became the kingdom's capital later. The "Largo do Toural", Guimarães´ central square, is impressing, but looks surely better in brilliant sunshine.

It is widely believed, that the first King of Portugal, Afonso I (aka "Afonso o Conquistador"), was born in Guimarães in 1109, so Guimarães is sometimes referred to as the "birthplace of the Portuguese nationality" . For some decades, Guimarães was the capital of the County of Portugal, however due to the needs of the Reconquista, Coimbra became the kingdom's capital later. We visited Guimarães in heavy rain, so a lot of time, we spent in cafés, where it was dry and warm. The Café Snack-Bar Bilhares is a very nice one.