Guimarães, Portugal – April 20

We left the boat this morning by bus to go to the town of Guimarães. While we were gone the boat moved from where we were docked to another area farther up the river.

Every time we get a new guide we find out new facts. The Romans named Portugal from the words Porto (port) and Calle (trade). The Romans were here for about 500 years – 200 BC and 300 AD. They traded wine with all areas of the Mediterranean. The Iberian peninsula was conquered over the centuries by Visigoths and Moors. Many of the names in Portugal begin within”Al” which are names from Moorish times. The French helped expel the Moors with crusades. The new king of Portugal came to live in Guimarães. This was the first capital of Portugal.

We again had a rainy morning. Guimarães is a UNESCO world heritage site since 2001, because it is a well preserved and authentic example of a medieval settlement. We saw some of the original walls that had surrounded the city. Some of it had been taken down over the years to build houses, churches and other buildings.

We walked to the top of a hill to see the outside of the castle/fort. We also saw the church where the first king of Portugal was baptized. Unfortunately they were closed because it was Easter.

We walked through the town which was very quiet. It was mid morning so we were surprised. Our guide said that because it was Easter the people did not go to church, but the priests came to their homes to bless them there. To show that they wanted the priest to stop at their home they lined the walk in front of their house with flowers. There were lots of church bells ringing to let the people know that the priests were on their way and then there were small processions with a priest in front with a cross, followed by young men with red capes and at the end a young man ringing bells. Quite a sight to see.

Here are some other photos from around the town.

We then had lunch in a restaurant. And when we came out the streets were filled with lots of people and the sidewalk cafes were bustling.

We then were returned to the ship and we sailed for about 1 hour before coming to our first lock, Lock of Carrapetelo. It is the biggest we will pass through over 100 feet. It was finally not pouring rain, just spitting, but too cold to be out on deck for very long.

Hopeful for better weather as we move on.