Pousada Santa Marinha Hotel Guimaraes

General Information

On a hill outside the city of Guimaraes, the Hotel Pousada Santa Marinha is located in a seventeenth centuty Augustinian convent. Considered the best Pousadas, the refurbished building was given the coveted Europa Nostra prize for its restoration. Guimaraes, "The cradle of the Nation" is the birthplace of the 1st king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, and was the 1st capital of Portugal. As befits a city of such eminence, Guimaraes features a affluence of majestic buildings. King Afonso Henriques was born in the grand 10th century palace, and he established the 1st Portuguese court here in the 12th century. Just below the palace, the small Romanesque Capela de Sao Miguel peaceful celebrates mass on the king's birthday. The gothic Paco dos Duques was the residence of the royal cottage of Braganca in the fifteenth century. Extensively reconstructed, it now houses a gallery and an gallery with a superb range of portrait paintings. The ancient town features some marvellous old-fashioned buildings specially round the Largo da Oliveira, the plurality astonishing of which is the church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. Adjoining the church the Museum Alberto Sampaio features some gorgeous exhibits including a triptych captured from the king of Castile. About 9 kilometers. from Guimaraes is the Celtic settlement, Citania de Briteiros. This significant archaeological spot was occupied from 400 B. C. and includes over 150 dwellings. The imposing Pousada Santa Marinha, features elegantly furnished suites, vaulted ceilings and azulejos in abundance. Walk in the wonderful gardens and enjoy excellent cuisine in one of the 3 dining apartments. Pousada Santa Marinha features 49 apartments and two apartments, all with individual bathroom. Not all rooms in the hotel have air conditioning. The Pousada features a elevator and conference facilites. In the surrounding area, activities such as horse riding, cycling, 4 wheel driving, paintballing and microlighting able to be arranged.