PORTUGAL GUIMARAES
In the first half of the 10th century , the
location where the city of Guimaraes is implanted today was a rural property
–the estate Quintana de Vimaranes .But the death of aman –Count Hermenegildo- and the Christian faith of his
widow, Countess Mumadona ,made it so ,that in the second half of the 10th
century , this rich Countess of Galician origin decided to build a monastery
there – the Mosteiro de Santa Maria and a castle.
The castle was built with the purpose of protecting the
monastery from the frequent raids carried out by Normans from the North of
Europe and by Muslim coming from the warm lands of the South.
With the passing of time, the Bourg grew and at the end of
the 11th century , there come to reside here D.Teresa, daughter of Afonso VI of Leon and her husbnd, Count D
EHnrique, a noble of French origin .Here , according to tradition, was born the
eldest of their sons- Afonso Henriques – who, some years later, in the first
half of the 12th century , became the first King of Portugal .
It
was also in Guimaraes that the famous battle of S.Mamede, which opposed
D.Afonso Henriques against his mother D.Teresa , took place, one o the historic
facts that led to the independent of Portugal.
In view of the facts described, it is no wonder that
Guimaraes is considered by the Portuguese to be the birthplace of national
identity! A unique and special city, Guimaraes is set apart by its
magnificently restored heritage, by its cultural dynamics and by the feeling of
belonging of its people.
If on the one hand the restoration work and
regeneration of its heritage led UNESCO, to in 2001, recognize the Historic
Centre of Guimaraes as World Cultural Heritage,the valorization of culture as a
factor of development, on the other fomented the creation of a network of
culture facilities that places Guimaraes in leading position in the arts and
entertainment areas, both nationally and internationally.
European Capital of
Culture in 2012 and European City of Sport in 2013.Guimaraes presents itself as
territory open to the world and to contemporaneity, with a deep tradition of
dialogue and cultural practices. Crossing the square and wandering through the
streets and alleys of the city , will bring you the unique experience of
feeling like a true Vimaranense.
