Walking through the historic centre full of streets and alleys is synonymous with immersing yourself in history in every corner. An example of this is the Rua de Santa Maria, of medieval origin, and one of the oldest streets in Guimarães, which played an important role, because its layout served as a communication route between Vila do Castelo and Vila del Monasterio.

It was inhabited for centuries by nobles and clerics, which made it an elite street in medieval times.

Along its route we find several architectural testimonies of its past: the Convent of Santa Clara, the Casa do Arco, the Casa dos Peixotos and the Casa Gótica dos Valadares, and many others that give it its own identity and characteristics in the city of Guimarães.

The Casa do Arco is one of the most photographed houses, whose construction began at the end of the 13th century. Several illustrious families lived there and various figures passed through, such as King Manuel I and Prince Miguel and the painter Auguste Roquemont.

The street is completely pedestrian, so you can walk quietly and photograph the facades of the houses with coats of arms, the wrought iron balconies and the carved wooden balconies, decorated with vases, among many other details.

In the small bakeries on the street you can try handmade convent sweets and buy in the various craft shops that appear along the way.