Guimarães

A historic city often called the 'cradle of Portugal' because the first Portuguese king, Afonso I Henriques, was born here in the 12th century. The medieval center is under UNESCO protection, featuring Guimarães Castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and the cobblestone streets of the old town. The quote 'Aqui nasceu Portugal' (Here Portugal was born) is inscribed on a wall near the castle. One of the most significant cultural day trips from Porto — by train (CP), 70 minutes directly from Estação de São Bento.