Guimarães Castle and Old Town
Guimarães, Portugal
A hilltop medieval castle above a compact historic centre of granite squares and lanes, closely tied to the early story of Portugal. Leave the car at the edge and explore the old town on foot.
Guimarães Castle dates back to the 10th century: Countess Mumadona had it built to protect a nearby monastery. An inscription proclaims “Aqui nasceu Portugal” (“Portugal was born here”) and commemorates Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, who according to tradition was born in Guimarães around 1110. The historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001 and is regarded as a well-preserved example of a medieval town.
In town you can see the Paço dos Duques de Bragança, the ducal palace built around 1420 with its tall brick chimneys, and the Largo da Oliveira with the church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. A cable car of about 1.7 kilometres climbs Monte da Penha, which is over 600 metres high. A day is enough for the main sights. Leave your car at the edge of the old town and continue on foot.
- Nearest town
- Guimarães, Portugal
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.4478, -8.2907
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Parque de Campismo da PenhaCampsite3 km from Guimarães Castle and Old Town
- Adro da Igreja Paroquial de São Martinho de SandeMotorhome stopover8 km from Guimarães Castle and Old TownMotorhomesWaste disposal
- Campo Escutista Padre José Dias Sampaio 558-PedomeCampsite9 km from Guimarães Castle and Old TownWi-Fi
- GarfePark CampingCampsite11 km from Guimarães Castle and Old TownShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Parque de Campismo e Caravanismo Municipal de BragaCampsite15 km from Guimarães Castle and Old Town · 40 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Parque de Campismo da CabreiraCampsite24 km from Guimarães Castle and Old Town
All campsites in Portugal · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Guimarães Castle and Old Town?
Guimarães Castle and Old Town is in Guimarães, Portugal, at GPS 41.4478, -8.2907. It is about 16 km from Braga.
Can you camp near Guimarães Castle and Old Town?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parque de Campismo da Penha, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 13 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Guimarães Castle and Old Town?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bom Jesus do Monte (14 km), Peneda-Gerês National Park (33 km), Mercado do Bolhão (42 km) and Ponte de Lima (43 km).
When is the best time to visit Guimarães Castle and Old Town?
The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)