Paco dos Duques de Braganca, Guimaraes

A living reminder of Portugal's colorful past, the atmospheric Paco dos Duques de Braganca sits in the historical center of a World Heritage Site town. Built in the 1420s, the castle originally served as the official residence of Afonso of Braganca, the illegitimate son of King John I. The ambitious Afonso became the patriarch of a powerful dynasty, and his descendants eventually served as kings of Portugal and emperors of Brazil. Encircled by park land, his palace represents one of the finest examples of late-medieval architecture favored by Portuguese nobility during the 15th century. Be sure to visit the first-floor museum, housing a collection of tapestries, porcelains, paintings, and furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries. Plan to visit Paco dos Duques de Braganca during your Guimaraes vacation using our convenient Guimaraes trip planner.