History Guimarães

1 history

1.1 pre- , protohistory
1.2 foundation of guimarães foundation of portugal
1.3 middle ages
1.4 modern , contemporary

history

the oliveira square, in historical center of guimarães, padrão salado on left

the history of guimarães associated foundation , identity of portuguese nationality. guimarães, other settlements, precedes foundation of portugal , because of role in foundation of country known cradle of portuguese nationality . in 1128, major political , military events lead independence , birth of new nation took place in guimarães. reason, in 1 of old towers of city s old wall written aqui nasceu portugal (portugal born here).

pre- , protohistory

according archeological findings in citânia (castro) of briteiros , sabroso , penha s archeologic site, area in guimarães located has had permanent settlements since late chalcolithic period.

there evidence of roman occupation, , stone dedicated roman emperor trajan found in caldas das taipas suggests spa town in roman times.

from foundation of guimarães foundation of portugal

statue of mumadona dias, in front of city court.

following reconquista policy promoted kingdom of galicia in 9th century, medieval foundations of actual city have roots in 10th century. @ point, countess mumadona dias, erected monastery in property of vimaranes, originated fixation of people in area known vila baixa (downtown). @ same time, ordered construction of castle on hill area became known vila alta (uptown), defend settlement. connect these other areas, rua de santa maria built.

the monastery became real colegiada (royal collegiate church) , throughout time acquired importance due privileges , donations given nobles , kings , became famous pilgrimage site.

henry, count of portugal approved first national foral possibly in 1096 (but not confirmed). foral proves growing importance of village of guimarães @ time, chosen capital of county of portugal.

on 24 june 1128, batalha de são mamede (battle of são mamede) took place in guimarães.

middle ages

during reign of king denis, village expanding, partially surrounded defensive wall. meanwhile, mendicant orders settled in guimarães , helped mold shape of emerging city. later, during reign of john i, wall torn down , 2 parts of city (uptown , downtown) united , city began expand outside old walls.

modern , contemporary

until 19th century structure of city did not suffer many transformations besides construction of few more churches, convents , palaces. ending of 19th century new urbanistic ideas of hygiene , symmetry village, promoted city queen maria ii on 23 june 1853 had greatest changes.

the complete demolition of city walls authorized , creation of many streets , avenues start @ point. controlled process of urbanization permitted conservation of city s magnificent historical center.