Deserving of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Guimarães, in the Minho region of northern Portugal, is reverentially known as the "cradle of the nation". As well as being the birthplace of the country's first king, Afonso Henriques, Guimarães was the first capital of the newly established kingdom of "Portucale" and is justifiably proud of its place in Portuguese history. Its landmark castle, a medieval wonder, dominates the old town skyline. Together with the nearby Paço dos Duques, the ancient stronghold is indicative of the profusion of well-preserved buildings and historic monuments that embellish the maze of picturesque narrow streets converging on the town's tourist-friendly central square, Largo da Oliveira.