Guimarães Castle · Birthplace of the First King

Guimarães Castle stands on a hilltop and is the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. The legend says that his mother remarried after giving birth to him, and later, when the two countries went to war, she was taken prisoner.

The castle tower was once a prison, and the walls are carved with marks left by those held there; in a few places dates and names are cut into the stone.

On the castle wall is written “Portugal was born here.” Locals say this is not a slogan but something they remember.

Historical Mysteries / Guimarães · Portugal / 10th century