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Welcome from Mr. Ricardo Araújo
Mayor of the City of Guimarães
(Portugal)
Guimarães — where the past inspires the future
Guimarães is a city that greets you with a warm embrace and wins you over without even asking permission. Here, where Portugal was born, every street tells a story and every moment awakens emotions that linger long after your visit ends. Guimarães is not just a destination; it is an experience you live with your heart.
Strolling through its Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, is to feel the charm of a medieval setting that is still very much alive. The lively squares, the old houses, the monuments that have stood for centuries — everything invites you to walk slowly, to look closely, to let yourself be amazed. In the inspiring Couros area, also distinguished by UNESCO in 2023, you discover the perfect harmony between tradition and creativity, a strong identity that makes this city unforgettable.
Guimarães breathes culture all year round. In 2012, it was European Capital of Culture, a milestone that transformed the city into an open stage to the world, amplifying voices, talents and visions that still resonate today in its streets. Festivals, performances, exhibitions and events continue to bring to life a vibrant programme that celebrates art and community. The local gastronomy captivates with its authentic flavours, ancestral knowledge and the region’s “vinhos verdes” that elevate every meal.
And the future is written in the colours of nature. In 2026, Guimarães will be European Green Capital — a recognition that finds its echo in the trails of Penha Mountain, in viewpoints that take your breath away and in the cable car that turns the journey into an adventure.
Come and experience Guimarães.
Let yourself be moved by a destination that stays forever in your memory.
Guimarães: Where history inspires the future
There are journeys that are not just lines drawn on a map, but paths that weave themselves into the soul. Trips that leave a deep mark because of the beauty of the places discovered, the people who welcome us as if we were old acquaintances, or the experiences that remain in the heart as unforgettable memories. Some destinations offer scattered fragments of all this. And then there is Guimarães, a city where every moment is lived intensely, where every street tells a story, and where every visitor always finds a reason to return.
Affectionately known as the cradle of the nation, Guimarães is more than a historical symbol: it is a place where authenticity is felt in everyday life, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity, and where the simplicity of human encounter is valued as a fundamental element of local tourism. Here, the visitor is not just an observer; they become a participant in a narrative that stretches across the centuries and remains alive in the culture, monuments, natural scenery, and vibrant spirit of the city.
A heritage that breathes history
The Historic Centre of Guimarães has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001 — and the reason becomes clear as soon as you take your first steps along its medieval streets. The traditional houses, welcoming squares, flowered balconies and centuries-old buildings create a unique atmosphere where the past is not frozen in time, but harmoniously integrated into modern life. It feels as if every stone has a memory, every corner hides an episode, and every nook invites us to imagine the footsteps of kings, artisans, merchants and visionaries who shaped the identity of the country.
Next to the historic centre, the Couros Zone, recognized by UNESCO in 2023, reinforces this bond between heritage and future. Once dedicated to leather tanning, this area is now a remarkable example of urban regeneration, where the city’s industrial past gains new life through cultural, creative and educational spaces. It is a striking testament to how a city can value its roots without failing to embrace innovation, preserving memory while projecting itself into the future.
European Green Capital 2026: A city that cares for tomorrow
Guimarães is a city with a deep sense of responsibility towards the future. The designation as European Green Capital 2026 is the recognition of this commitment, the result of years of strategies focused on sustainability, environmental resilience and the creation of better living conditions for residents and visitors alike.
Urban planning, the protection and enhancement of ecosystems, educational projects dedicated to the environment and investment in sustainable mobility are pillars that place Guimarães at the forefront of cities that understand tourism and development as forces that must coexist with balance and awareness. Visiting this city also means witnessing a model of growth that respects nature and places people at the centre of decision-making.
Culture: The soul that moves Guimarães
Culture is undoubtedly one of Guimarães’ vital forces. It was European Capital of Culture in 2012, a milestone that projected its creative potential onto the international stage. Since then, the city has kept that momentum alive, with a vibrant, original and deeply participatory cultural identity.
Today, Guimarães pulses with life and creativity, becoming a stage for events, festivals, exhibitions and performances that celebrate artistic diversity in all its forms. Museums that preserve centuries of memories coexist harmoniously with contemporary creative centres; historic theatres share the spotlight with venues dedicated to music and performance; and throughout the year, public spaces are transformed into living stages where the whole city celebrates energy, imagination and collective creativity.
Art is present in the streets, in restored buildings, in community initiatives and in the way the city constantly reinvents itself without ever losing its essence. Guimarães inspires, provokes, welcomes and challenges — a true living laboratory where tradition and innovation coexist in perfect harmony.
Nature, leisure and well-being: The perfect balance
Guimarães also offers a deep connection with nature. The city is surrounded by green spaces, well-kept parks and areas designed to provide tranquillity, fresh air and outdoor activities.
Among all its natural treasures, Penha Mountain stands out — a true green sanctuary rising above the city and offering absolutely breathtaking panoramic views. Penha is ideal for hiking, contemplation, climbing, family outings and moments of pure relaxation. The cable car ride, which starts from the historic centre, turns the ascent into a delightful experience, revealing different perspectives of the city as you approach the summit.
Here, the balance between urban life and the serenity of nature is a defining feature. Parks and gardens invite relaxed picnics, quiet reading, exercise routines or simply a pause — that much-needed pause for those who travel in search of reconnection with themselves.
Flavours that tell stories
Travelling is also about immersing yourself in the flavours of a place, and the cuisine of Guimarães is one of the most delicious ways to discover the soul of the city. In Guimarães, each dish reflects an ancestral tradition, each recipe is passed from generation to generation, and each meal is a celebration of local identity.
The intense and genuine flavours of meats, fresh vegetables and traditional desserts find the perfect match in the region’s “vinhos verdes” — light, aromatic and unique in the world. Eating in Guimarães is more than tasting: it is living a ritual of sharing, of meeting, of affection, where the table becomes a meeting point between travellers and hosts.
Whether in a traditional tavern, a contemporary restaurant, or a historic square bathed in the soft light of sunset, each gastronomic experience reveals a different chapter in the city’s story.
A safe, welcoming and authentic city
There are destinations we visit, and there are destinations where we truly feel welcomed. Guimarães belongs to the second group. It is a city where safety, tranquillity and well-being are a priority, making it perfect for families, solo travellers, couples, groups of friends or visitors who wish to discover at their own pace.
The rhythm of the city is calm and inviting. People greet newcomers with genuine warmth, sharing stories, recommendations and that smile that makes you feel at home — even if it is your first visit. It is not uncommon to leave Guimarães with new friends, unexpected encounters and memories that become stories we carry with us forever.
Enduring memories and an invitation that never expires
Guimarães is, in essence, a city made of memory and future. A place where the past gains meaning in the present and where every visitor has the opportunity to write their own chapter in the city’s story. Here, you wake up with a peaceful sense of belonging, surrounded by charming landscapes, imposing monuments, dynamic cultural spaces and people who make every moment special.
It is a city that surprises with what you see and wins you over with what you feel. A city that inspires those who arrive and that always leaves one invitation open: to return.
Because travelling is about creating memories and discovering places that remain forever engraved in the soul, Guimarães is a destination that promises never to forget you — just as those who visit it never forget her.
Guimarães is waiting for you. Always.
Website: https://www.visitguimaraes.travel
Email: info@visitguimaraes.travel
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