Destination Weddings in Guimarães

A city with over 60,000 residents, Guimarães is located in the north of Portugal at the foot of the Serra de Santa Catarina. The city is pretty, with lush foliage at every corner. The main focus in town is the Praça Toural, lined with shops, residential homes and restaurants, and it is the threshold of the town's main shopping street, the Rua de S. António. However, tourists seem to enjoy the scenic old town, with its magnificent granite architecture. Wrought iron balconies and window boxes filled with flowers lend a special sense of charm to this area. The Rua de Santa Maria, around the Largo da Oliveira has an extensive display of the town’s picturesque structures. The city still retains its ancient flavor; a narrow street with cobble stones and lined with quaint statues.

Guimarães is considered to be the "cradle of the nation," because it was the first capital of the newly established kingdom of Portugal. It was also the birthplace of its first king, Afonso Henriques, as well as the famous poet and dramatist Gil Vicente. In the former monastery of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira there are numerous examples of religious art that have been passed down through the centuries. Other interesting exhibits are the battle tunic worn by Dom João I at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, and a 14th Century silver altarpiece said to be taken from the defeated Spanish King. To the northwest of Guimarães is the resort town of Caldas das Taipas, which is very popular with tourists, and dates back to the time of Roman occupation.

Guimarães is well preserved, and its old town is very popular with visitors to Portugal. The historic monuments and extensive collection of art treasures make it a worthwhile destination for a stately wedding.