2025 Oliveira do Castelo Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

“Nao ha atalhos para os lugares onde vale a pina ir.” (There are no short cuts to any place worth going.) Photo: Carmela Aportadera

Guimarães, Braga has a special significance for all Portuguese people. The founder of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, was born in this city. After he grew up, he led the people to repel foreign invaders and established the capital here. UNESCO has listed Guimarães, Braga as a World Cultural Heritage Site. ⛺【Must-visit】 Guimarães Castle This place witnessed the founding of Portugal. The founding king Afonso led the generals to resist the invasion of the Moors here. But now the castle only has 7 towers and the central part. The top floor of the central part has some exhibitions of Portuguese history. The canvas is brightly colored, showing scenes in ancient wars. There is also a helmet of an ancient Portuguese soldier, and many tourists are scrambling to take photos. Under the guidance of the sign, tourists can walk around the city wall in the designated area. Standing on the city wall, you can see the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza in front and the vineyard in the distance. The past scenes of war emerge in your mind, and you can imagine the grandeur of the founding king leading thousands of troops. 🛬【Travel Tips】 The town is not big, and the streets still retain the original appearance of thousands of years ago, exuding a simple and quiet atmosphere. There are not many tourists, and the alleys are quiet and winding, as if returning to Portugal in the Middle Ages. 🧡【Tips】: "Oliveira" in Portuguese means "olive tree", symbolizing the blessing of the Virgin Mary and peace and health. The Portuguese-style restaurants in this town are the most authentic, and each one is particularly delicious. Many Portuguese people will go to the town to eat authentic Portuguese food.

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...