Our first port was near Porto. We have been there a few times, so we decided to check out Guimareaes, which is called the Birthplace of Portugal.  It’s a medieval town that is about 45 minutes from the port.  We were going to take the train, but our ship docked too late. We considered taking the bus, but were concerned about not being able to figure out where to go since it starts from the airport. We decided to take a Bolt (a ride share in Portugal).  It cost more, but the convenience won over price. 

The drive there was mostly highway, I may have napped for part of it.  The driver left us in the town square.  We checked out a Danish store near where we got out and my husband took some pictures of the square while I window shopped.  The town is on a hill so be prepared to walk up and down to get where you want to go. The streets are very picturesque and narrow, but keep an eye out for cars.  

We stopped at a few stores and ate some pastries before making our way to the castle. We bought our tickets online and went right in and climbed three flights of stairs only to be told that we were in the palace, not the castle.  The castle was on the left and up further. It was an easy mistake if you did not read the signs.  There is a combo ticket that you can buy for both the castle and the palace.  It saves you about 4 euros.  

The castle was built in the 10th century.  I liked how there are natural stones both inside and outside the walls.  There is not much of an inside to see.  You are not allowed in the tower. You can climb to the top and walk around the walls and that is about it.  They do have a virtual reality presentation that cost 8 euros and you can watch a reanactment of the biggest battle that took place at the castle.  The outcome of the battle is why Guimaraes is considered the birthplace of Portugal. 

We headed over to the palace and climbed up those three flights again, but with legitimate tickets this time.  There were not very many people in the castle, although we did come upon a small tour group halfway through.  Each room had a laminated paper with a description of the room, what it was used for, and some of the important objects or pieces of furniture. 

The first room was a waiting room.  There were a couple of tapestries that depicted some important battles of the king. 

We were impressed with the armory.  It is part of the largest collection of arms in northern Portugal.  

The furniture in this room was incredible.  

The dining room had such a neat table.  I liked the lights as well, you could see where they could put candles in it if needed. 

The bedroom had some impressive cabinetry. 

In the picture of the courtyard you can see the entrance to the church.  I didn’t take any pictures of the inside because it was all reconstructed.  

We walked around town a bit more and took some scenic pictures.  I loved the tile on the buildings.  It was a beautiful little town to visit.