visit > museums & galleries

Founded in 1928 by Alfredo Guimarães, the Alberto Sampaio Museum houses works that depict not only the history of Guimarães, but also the history of Portugal (from the medieval period to the Renaissance period). The building itself, where the museum is today, is also part of the historical city: its construction dates back to the 10th century, when Countess Mumadona Dias had this monastery built.

Along three areas - the Cloister, the Priory House, where the permanent exhibition is located, and the Cabido House - the museum impresses by everything it houses. Among extraordinary paintings, sculptures and goldsmithery, which leave no one indifferent, we find pieces that belonged to Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira and Igreja de S. Francisco. They’re works of great patrimonial importance, many of them over 300 years old!

In the goldsmithery room, is one of the most valuable collection of which there’s record in Portugal, with details that make us wonder how would it be possible to produce these stunning pieces in such detail so many years ago.

Regarding the collection that represents one of the most difficult battles in our history, the Aljubarrota battle, in 1385, we find mainly paintings that represent his confrontation between Portuguese and Castilian. In one of these paintings, dating back to the 17th century, is King D. João I - who was in Guimarães when he learned of the great battle he had to fight - asking Santa Maria da Oliveira for protection before the war. However, what most captivates the attention of those who visit this area of the Alberto Sampaio Museum is the work that will most probably be the most important of all those that exist in the museum: it's the military garment - the loudel - that D. João I wore to fight the Aljubarrota battle and that he offered to Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira to thank for the protection granted.

Continuing the visit, we come across sculptures and frescoes - which were found by chance, hidden behind other paintings while they were removed to be restored - which mostly represent religious events. The Alberto Sampaio Museum is indeed a place with much to discover and many secrets to uncover.

When you visit Guimarães, be sure to visit this museum, which has much to tell us about the history of the city (and the country).

Cool Tip: The Cloister has a unique beauty, and the organ of Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, which we sometimes hear, makes this experience even more special - make the visit calmly and enjoy the sound of this musical instrument.