Portugal

Guimarães is a city in the north of Portugal with the population of 50,000. It was settled in the 9th century and was called Vimaranes at first. This denomination might have had its origin in the warrior Vímara Peres, when he chose this area as the main government seat for the County of Portugal which he conquered for the Kingdom of Galicia. It played a very important role in the formation of Portugal so it is often called the "birthplace of the Portuguese nationality" or "the cradle city". It is even the possible birthplace of the first Portuguese king, Afonso I of Portugal. The historical centre of the city wad added to the UNESCO WHS list.

The postcard itself shows the square of Santiago, a place in the very heart of the historical centre. Rafael writes that we can see houses made of stone and wood that are typical for the north of Portugal. Thanks a bunch, Rafael :)