Guimarães, the "birthplace of Portugal"

The alarm came way too early but we have places to go, things to see, people to meet so we drag ourselves down to breakfast; a quick back to the room for camera and weather gear then down to the lobby. Ready for our next adventure.

We travel about an hour northeast to Guimarães. Guimarães is deeply intertwined with the foundation of Portugal itself. The city served as the capital for Afonso Henriques, who declared himself King Afonso I in 1139, marking the birth of an independent Portuguese kingdom. His victory over Moors at Ourique paved way for Portugal as a country.

Guimarães has been able to maintain much of its historic integrity over centuries. In recognition of this fact, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site in 2001 citing it as an "exceptionally well-preserved and authentic example of evolution from a medieval settlement to modern town."

The most notable among these is undoubtedly the imposing Castle of Guimarães (Castelo de Guimarães). Constructed during the 10th century under orders from Mumadona Dias, countess regent at time when Christian Spain was battling Moorish invasions; the castle played a crucial role throughout Middle Ages protecting inhabitants against Viking raids and Moorish attacks. Today it stands proudly atop a hill offering panoramic views across city below.

The Palace Of The Dukes Of Braganza (Paço dos Duques de Bragança) is another must-see monument built by Afonso – first Duke Of Braganza in 15th century. This grand medieval estate, with its robust chimneys and stunning interiors, provides an insight into the luxurious lifestyle of Portuguese nobility.

It's school visit day and the courtyard is buzzing with little people.

The tapestries show the history of Portugal's many battles on land and seas.

The palace contains many treasures brought back from these battles.

One of the treasures found during renovations was Constança of Noronha’s 15th century shoe insole; found in her ossuary in the main chapel of the Church of São Francisco in Guimarães.

The kids seemed interested.

The Great Hall ceiling looks like a ship.

Church Of São Miguel do Castelo –a small Romanesque chapel where King Afonso I was supposedly baptized. This may be more legend than fact.

The northern façade also includes arcosolia (a recessed archway used for entombment) on either side of the door, one semi-ornate that includes ornate decoration and the other more simple. The posterior wall also includes a slit window open to the apse and Maltese cross above the main body of the nave.

The floor appears to be entombments of many who fought with the King.

Our group heads down the hill to the Town Center. Along the way we see another clam shell.

Our guide point out the bell tower and the codes used to warn the town folks for fires and meeting etc. Kind of an old time paging/texting system.

As we make our way down the hill towards the town square, we stat to see these window boxes. Our guide explains that they are part of the Capelas dos Passos da Paixao de Cristo, the stations of the Cross of Christ.

We've now worked an appetite and we stop in Pastelaria Clarinha.

We get our chance to sample the Vinho Verde, the "green wine" of Portugal, which is not defined by its color but by the lush, green region of the same name in the country's north. It is known for its characteristic crispness, high acidity, and often a slight sparkle. It was delicious.