Guimarães - The Cradle of Portugal

Guimarães is located in the northwest of Portugal, in the southern part of the Braga district. At the foot of Mount Santa Catarina, it was founded in the 4th century and was once the capital of Portugal in the 12th century. Afonso Henriques, born in this small town, established the Kingdom of Portugal with Guimarães as the capital in 1143. Since then, Guimarães has been known as 'The Cradle of Portugal'. The city walls still bear a prominent inscription: 'Portugal was born here'. Due to its long history and rich cultural sites, the historic center of Guimarães was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2006; it is also loved for its romantic, tranquil atmosphere and authentic cultural sites. In 2012, it was chosen as the European Capital of Culture. The beautiful Guimarães is a city not well known in China, but walking through the old town with its various exquisite and ancient mansions, beautiful gardens, churches, and old palaces can dazzle visitors, making them feel as if they are in the Middle Ages. Standing on the high castle and overlooking those ancient huge steles, churches, towers, courtyards, and old bridges, one can't help but marvel at the vicissitudes of history. Guimarães is my favorite place in this trip to Portugal, without a doubt...