Guimarães is called the birthplace of Portugal. I visited it to build a more personal connection to the country. I imagine right here, in this gothic canopy, the country was born. I think it cried a lot as a child.

Oliveira square

The old town is beautifully preserved and has a medieval atmosphere. Turns out, Portugal was always gloomy.

Old town

Santos Passos Church

Tiled picture

The castle somehow looks out of place: a brutal building on a green lawn. Then again, it is supposed to be intimidating. But there’s just something too perfect about it, that makes it seem unreal. I wish I had seen it at night too.

Guimarães Castle

It seems appropriate that Portugal grew up to build solemn monuments.

Solemn monuments