2005 © Oficina Virtual de Turismo
In the 10th century the Countess Mumadona Dias, after having been widowed, ordered the construction of a monastery in her estates at Vimaranes - today Guimarães. The constant attacks by Moors and Normans lead to the construction of a fort to guard and defend the monks and the Christian community which lived in its purlieus. Thus came into being the original castle. With the formation of the County of Portucalem in the 12th century Count D. Henrique and Countess D. Teresa came to live in Guimarães. They enlarged and strengthened the castle and according to tradition it was here that they took up residence. King Afonso Henriques was probably born here. Throughout its history it served as the backdrop for dynastic conflicts, none more heroic than the exploits leading to the foundation of the kingdom at the Battle of S. Mamede in 1128 for which reason it is also known as the Founding Castle.
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