Tourism Info

Guimarães is located in the North-west of Portugal.

This city played an important role as the major municipality during the time of the Condado Portucalense, the name given to the feudal lands between the Lima and Ave Rivers under the rule of the Kings of León (Spain) (source). In the Battle of São Mamede, Dom Afonso Henriques gain the independence for the Condado Portucalense, founding the Portuguese Nation.

In 2001, the Historic Centre of Guimarães was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city is recognized by its beauty and historical monuments.

As the first capital of Portugal, Guimarães is known as the place where the country was born - "The Cradle City" or "Birthplace City".

Some of the most important monuments are:

• The Palace of the Dukes of Bragança built in the 15th century;
• A castle, built in the 10th century, by the Countess Mumadona Dias to protect the local population;
• The Chapel of St. Michael, built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style, where D. Afonso Henriques (portuguese first king) was baptized;
• The City Walls of Guimarães are remnants of those that encircled Guimarães during the reign of Kings Dom Dinis and Dom João I, in the 14th and 15th centuries;
• The Salado Monument built in the 15th century;
• The Old Town Council Chambers it is a building from the 14th century.

More information about the city can be found at:

• Guimarães city hall
• Guimarães Tourism

Conference Venue

The conference will take place at the Vila Flor Cultural Centre. This Cultural Centre was inaugurated in September, 2005, and incorporates the 18th century Vila Flor Palace, with its magnificent gardens and charming architecture, and a new design building added on to hold all types of cultural events.

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