The social program includes the welcome reception and gala dinner for the participants (registration as ‘Student’ does not include the gala dinner). The registration as accompanying persons also includes the participation in several tours. Registration in one or more tours can also be made by persons not registered as accompanying persons.
The welcome reception will take place in Guimarães, at the Alberto Sampaio Museum, in the 20th of July, at 20h00.
This museum was created in 1928 to house the collections of the Chapter House of N. S. da Oliveira and other churches and convents in the Guimarães region.
It is settled in a historical centre that is patrimony of the humanity, where, in the 10th C., the countess Mumadona ordered the building of a monastery. In the 11th C. that monastery was replaced by a college, under the invocation of St. Mary's and later under the invocation of Our Lady of the Olive Tree.
The Alberto Sampaio Museum holds collections of great interest from which the sculpture collection, represented by limestone and wooden statues from the 13th C. up to the 18th C. are part of. The goldsmithery collection composed of liturgical utensils - cups, patens, custodies, crosses and reliquaries - of varied typology and functions, which give the visitor the opportunity to keep track of evolution and likings, from the beginnings of the 12th C. to the end of the 19th C.
The gala dinner will take place in Braga, at the Municipal Stadium, in the 22nd of July, at 20h00.
The Braga Municipal Stadium is a football stadium built in 2003 as the new home for local club SC Braga, and as a 2004 UEFA European Football Championship venue. Designed by the Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, it is often considered one the most original and beautiful stadiums in the world. The Financial Times, states that: "There has been nothing in this country to match the architectural delight of Eduardo Souto de Moura’s stadium for Braga in Portugal, a breathtaking arena carved into the side of a rock face on the site of a former quarry."
Braga Municipal Stadium on Youtube
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Tours for accompanying persons |
1) Guimarães (half day) - July 21st
Visit to one of the most beautiful and historical cities of Portugal, Guimarães - the Nation’s birthplace.
Surrounded by parks and a 15th century Palace, stands the Castle of Guimarães, which will be our first stop. Simple, but yet a remarkable site, a place full of story. It was here that
D. Afonso Henriques was born in the 12th century from the Count Henrique and his wife D. Teresa. The future king was baptized in the Romanesque chapel of São Miguel outside the castle gates and close to the Ducal Palace.
Continuing with a visit to the 15th century Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, a massive and imposing building with distinctive turrets and brick chimneys. It was built in 1401 by the first Duke of Bragança and rehabilitated in the last century.
The Tour proceeds for a guided tour to the historic centre of Guimarães classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, with its medieval streets layout which is lined with historic buildings everywhere you look. Stop at Largo da Oliveira one of the central points. Free time for a calm stroll.
Guimarães on Youtube
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2) Braga and Barcelos (full day) - July 22nd
Departure from Guimarães for a visit to Braga, probably the main religious center in the country, Braga is known for its baroque churches, magnificent 18th century houses and elaborate gardens and squares. Known, in the Roman era as “Bracara Augusta”.
This visit will provide the general idea of the most important religious and architectural monuments, such as the Sé, the most impressive church which has several styles, from Roman to Baroque. Panoramic visit passing through the City Hall, the Palace of “Raio”, the Convent of “Populo”, and visit to “Bom Jesus” do Monte (by funicular).
Free time at Bom Jesus do Monte and Lunch on a Restaurant with a panoramic view over Braga.
Braga on Youtube
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After lunch the Tour proceeds to Barcelos - one of the most emblematic cities of popular Minho art. On your stroll around Barcelos you will find the 18th-century churches of Bom Jesus da Cruz and Nossa Senhora do Terço. Also opportunity for a visit to the Ceramics Museum. On the Handicraft Centre, you can get a good general view of Minho arts and crafts. The brightly-coloured Barcelos Cock is the most representative of all the pieces produced here, but one should not forget the brass bands and the figures depicting the region’s customs and habits. Return to Guimarães.
Barcelos on Youtube
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3) Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo (full day) - July 23rd
Visit to Ponte de Lima a Portuguese village with its medieval architecture and surrounded by a beautiful green area.
Ponte de Lima has a beauty and very specific and natural environment. It is situated in the middle of the Ribeira of Lima valley. In the Middle Age it was a fortified village with walls 600 meters long, 10 towers, 2 turrets and 6 entrances. In 1995 Ponte de Lima won the European Grand Prize of Tourism and Environment.
Ponte de Lima on Youtube
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We will then proceed to the town of Viana do Castelo, a XII century town (founded 1258), where the modern town has grown near the river Lima. We can visit the Cathedral and you can’t miss the neo-Byzantine Church of Santa Luzia, located on top of the Santa Luzia hill with a breathtaking view of Viana do Castelo, the river Lima estuary and the sea. The city is a living museum, but it is also the capital of the rich Minho folklore, with an important handicraft industry.
Free time for lunch on the city center. We can also visit the shipyards at Viana do Castelo in activity since 1944, being the major Portuguese Shipbuilder (to be confirmed). Return to Guimarães.
Viana do Castelo on Youtube
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