The Origins of Portuguese Statehood

Guimaraes is called the cradle of the Portuguese nation. Not far from the city in 1128 in the town of San Mamede there was a battle between Afonso Henriques and his mother Teresa of Leon. The victory allowed Afonso 1 to proclaim the independence of the County of Porto and Calencis from the Kingdom of Leon, and subsequently to form a separate and independent kingdom. The fortress-castle Guimaraes, founded in the 10th century, has been preserved in the city. Also interesting is the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, built in the 15th century near the castle.

The settlement on the site of the modern city arose in the era of the megalith, who lived on these lands tribes of Brakkars. Further, the history of the city will be associated with the arrival of the Romans in these places, who give the name to this city - Braccara Augusta. Subsequently, these territories were owned by Suevs, Goths, Moors. The Reconquista pushed the Moors south and from the 10th century remained under Christian rule. A city with over 2,250 years of history. Near the city is the sanctuary of Bom Rzejos and Someiro.