Quiet and cozy Guimaraes is one of the few provincial cities that can compete with European capitals in the number of historical and cultural attractions. Every winding street and colorful quarter of this city bears a great historic heritage. After all, Guimaraes is the cradle of the independent Kingdom of Portugal and the local church is the place of baptism of the first Portuguese King Afonso I. The city government carefully preserves all the monuments of the past. Thus, Guimaraes still boasts ancient castles and temples, as well as city houses from the 11th-19th centuries. Besides, tourists in Guimaraes can spend 25-30 euros for a stay in an 18th-century mansion and 20 euros for a delicious dinner with a glass of wine in a picturesque square overlooking an ancient Gothic temple – a symbol of the victory of the brave Portuguese over the Moors.

The Church of Our Lady of Oliveira (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira) is one of the most outstanding monuments of the early Middle Ages, even though almost nothing remains of the original Romanesque building. The building that adorns the central square of Guimaraes is a reconstruction of a church built in the early 15th century in honor of the legendary victory of King John I (Joao) of Portugal over King John I of Castile in the Battle of Aljubarrota.

The idea of ​​combining Gothic with the Manueline style was offered by the famous architect Garcia de Toledo. The church tower appeared much later, at the beginning of the 16th century.

Today, the tower houses the tomb of John's parents, King Peter I and the noble Lady Teresa Lorenzo. The interior of the temple deserves special attention. The ceiling is decorated with amazing Gothic paintings, the altar of the Chapel of the Holy Communion is made of pure silver, and the inner halls house the historical and sacred values of the Alberto Sampaio Museum's rich collections.