Guimarães (gēməräNshˈ) [key], city (1991 est. pop. 48,200), Braga dist., NW Portugal, in Minho. It has textile and cutlery manufactures, but its main importance is historical. The town was the seat of Duke Henry of Burgundy and of his son, Alfonso I, first king of Portugal. Alfonso VII of León besieged (1127) Guimarães and forced Alfonso of Portugal to swear fealty, but the Portuguese later established his independence. Guimarães was a favorite royal residence. It has several splendid churches, particularly the Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, and a notable old castle.


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