The distance between Porto and Santiago is around 237km, just 2 hours 33 minutes driving distance. We stopped at: Guimareas, Braga, Pont de Lima and Pontevedra. They are old and full with stories.
The first stop: Guimareas
It is a city located in the northern Portugal. This city was called Vimaranes and was settled in the 9th century. During the time, Vimara Peres conquered Kingdom of Galicia and chose this city as the main government seat for Portugal.
Another famous of the city is it is the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality. It is believed that Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques was born at here. Prince Afonso wanted to take the control of the country with fully independence from the control of Kingdom of Leon and Galicia. In 1179, Afonso was blessing by the papal bull Manifestis Probatum, Pope Alexander III as a king and acknowledged Portugal as an independent crown with the right to conquer lands from the Moor.
Palace of the Dukes of Braganza,
is a medieval estate and was the residence for the first Dukes of Braganza. He also the eight of Count of Barcelos. The residence was built in around 1420 by Afonso, Count of Barcelos. His second marriage was at this residence. He started a dynasty called the House of Braganza which would end up being the most powerful and weathly in all of the Portugal. His descendents went on to become high-ranking nobles, imperial officals and even the Kings of Portugal and Emperors of Brazil.
Castle of Guimaraes
is a medieval castle, built under the orders of Mumadona Dias in the 10th century.
The purpose of the castle was to defend the monastery from attacks by Moors and Norsemen.
Church of Sao Miguel do Castelo is beside the castle at the hillside. This church was the sight of baptism of the young Afonso Henriques. Howeverm this claim is contradictory because the date of the church's founding has been suggested to be during the reign of Afonso II of Portugal.
A corner of the city
The buildings majority in white color with the design at the windows.
The Praca de Santiago
Here has many restaurants and cafes.
Museu de Alberto Sampaio
was founded in 1928.
This is belonging to the former Collegiate Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira and other churches and convents in Guimaraes. It is situated in the heart of the old historic centre of the city and has been classified as World Heritage.
Padrao do Salado
It was build in the fourteenth century by Alfonso IV of Portugal's to celebrate the victory in the Battle of rio Salado in 1340. It is classified as a National Monument since 1910.
The Battle of Rio Salado, also known as the Battle of Tarifa was abattle of the armies of King Afonso IV of Portugal and King Alfonso XI of Castile against those of sultan Abu al- Hasan' Ali of Marinid dynasty and Yusuf I of Granada.
When I walked out from the old town, this scenary really amazing me.
Second stop: Braga
We only went to Bon Jesus do Monte and Centro Commercial De Braga. We had our dinner at the shopping mall. The food court has many choices. Besides, the mall has Zara, Primark, Aldo, Sephora, C&A. I think the mall is larger compared with any mall in Santiago. The most important is IT OPEN AT SUNDAY!!
Bom Jesus do Monte is a Portuguese sanctuary at the outside of the Braga city. It is a notable example of pilgrimage site with a monumental, zigzag stairway that climbs 116 meters. The stairway has 381 feet.
We drive to there. But it can reach with public transport. From the websites, I found it can reach the Bom Jesus Sanctuary with the vertical tram which using water powered systerm to power up the 300 metre slop in just 3 minutes.
Bom Jesus do Monte
Here has five different fountain to represent five senses ( sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste).
The church is build on the top of the hill.
A lovely views of the town and countryside from the church
Third stop: Ponte de Lima
I think the most famous attraction in Ponte de Lima is medieval BRIDGE. WHY? I saw the signboard in the highway.
Ponte de Lima is known for being the oldest village in Portugal. It is named after the long medieval bridge that passes over the Limia river.
The medieval bridge crossing across Limia river at the old town of Ponte de Lima.
From the Braga exit, it need to drive at least 5-10 minutes to reach the old town.
Along the road, you can see many grape plantation farm.
The center of the old town
Many people at here to enjoy the sunshine.
Some even swim in the river.
It has been awarded for its urban quality international prize.
When we reached here at the evening, the city is very quiet.
Renaissance basilica Santa Maria
The first parts of the structure were build in 14 century and its complex main facade was build in 16 century. Here, Pontevedra's town wall also can be seen.
Bridge crossing across Lerez river
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