The Watchtower is closed for rehabilitation. We apologize for the inconvenience.

R. Conde Dom Henrique | 4800-412 Guimarães

Open: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5:30 pm)
Closed: January 1st; Easter Sunday; May 1st; December 25th; June 24th (municipal holiday)

A symbol of the origins of the nation and of the figure of D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, Guimarães Castle is one of the most representative monuments of the Portuguese medieval imagination.

Its initial construction dates back to the time of Mumadona Dias, who ordered it built in the mid-10th century, with the aim of defending the monastery of Santa Maria de Guimarães from attacks by Muslims and Normans.

Subject to several alterations over the centuries, Guimarães Castle has retained little of its original form, having served as a prison in the 16th century and in the following century also as a royal hayloft and quarry.

However, it fell into ruin and was only restored in the first half of the 20th century, in a campaign that gave it the general appearance it has today, led by the General Directorate of National Buildings and Monuments.

Open to the public since June 1940, on the occasion of the Celebrations of the 8th Centenary of the Foundation of the Nationality, Guimarães Castle, classified as a National Monument since 1910, is today one of the most visited monuments in the North.

Residents of the country have 52 days of free entry per year to museums, monuments and palaces, on any day of the week.
“Access 52” tickets are not available for issue at this online ticket office.
Please go to the physical ticket office of one of our Museums or Monuments to request them.