Guimarães
While in Porto, we had several options for day trips, but we picked Guimarães for it is the birthplace of Portugal.
(Click on each image to see the high-resolution version)
An hour's train ride took us to Guimarães. After orienting ourselves, we found our way to town, where the sign "Aqui Nasceu Portugal" (Portugal Was Born Here) made it unmistakable the city's origin.
Aqui Nasceu Portugal
Aqui Nasceu Portugal
We lingered at Largo do Toural, a town square outside the church Basílica de São Pedro. It was a typical scene in an European town reminiscent of medievil times.
Largo do Toural
Largo do Toural
The shops and buildings surrounding the square are very pretty in their own right.
Shops
Shops
We walked through town, admiring the quaint and cute houses tastefully decorated.
Patio
We would take the cable car (Teleférico de Penha) to Serra da Penha, a hill overlooking Guimarães and the surrounding areas. A church, Santuário da Penha, stands on top of the hill. Outside the church, there is a cross-shaped pool.
Pool
It certainly is a fine view from the top of the hill.
Santuário da Penha
Santuário da Penha
Santuário da Penha
The church was built in honor of Pope Pius X, whose statue also stands prominently here.
Pope Pius X Statue
Also on the hill is the Shrine of Our Lady of Penha.
Shrine of Our Lady of Penha
We took the tram down to town after some time. The church Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos stands at the end of a broad and manicured boulevard with the hills of Serra da Penha as a backdrop, it is a pretty sight.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos
The other landmark, a little bit outside town, is the Guimaraes Castle, which we paid a visit.
Castle
Castle
Looking thourhg a window in the castle wall over the Guimaraes countryside.
Window
Just outside the castle, the statue of Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, stands guard.
Afonso Henriques Statue
