Guimarães is a northern Portuguese city located in the one of the more industrialized subregions of the country.
It is an historical city that had an important role in the formation of Portugal. In the 9th century the city was called Vimaranes, perhaps from the warrior Vímara Peres, who chose as the main government seat for the County of Portugal. The city is often referred to as the "birthplace of the Portuguese nationality".
Its historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the largest tourist centers in the region. Situated in the beautiful Minho region, an hour from Porto, the city has a hilltop palace, a museum and keep and a buzzy atmosphere, thanks to its student population and café-lined squares.
This year Guimarães is the be European Capital of Culture.
Photo source
A.V.
January 05, 2012
