The centre of Guimarães, founded during 10th–12th centuries, is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved medieval layout & importance in Portuguese history; it’s billed as the "birthplace of Portugal" on account of links to nation building & its first king, Afonso I. Castelo de Guimarães | Guimarães Castle was initially built by Countess Mumadona in the late 10th C. likely from wood & for the purpose of protecting the monastery from attacks; its present form dates to the late 13th C. (📷1). Paço dos Duques de Bragança | Palace of the Dukes of Braganza was built c. 1420–30 CE for Afonso I, Duke of Braganza; as a large, fortress-like noble residence, it required considerable heating—as reflected in the multitude of tall conical chimneys on the roofline (📷2). Largo da Oliveira is a public square in the heart of the old town, surrounded by historic architecture & religious landmarks (📷3). In the narrow yet impeccably maintained & clean medieval streets (📷4) we found a delicious selection of cakes to bring back to the van.

🇵🇹 #portugal 🇪🇺 #europe 🚀 #travel 🚐 #camperVan #nomad #roadTrip #vanLife 🌍 #unesco