Guimaraes
Guimarães is one of the most important cities in Portugal. Formerly known as Vimaranes, the city played a leading role in the foundation of Portugal. It is often called the "Cradle of Portugal," owing to the fact that the administrative centre of Condado Portucalense (the Portuguese County) was established there by King Henrique. In those days the lands to the south in both Portugal and Spain were under the control of the Moors. Over the years, with the assistance of the 'Crusaders', the land was retaken from the Moors who were driven back into Africa.