WAKO EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS GUIMARÃES 2008 Sport hall Pavilhão Multiusos de Guimarães

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WAKO EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS GUIMARÃES 2008 Sport hall Pavilhão Multiusos de Guimarães The European Wako Championshisps in Guimaraes 2008, take

With prime location in one of the main entrances of the city, in the Creixomil Veiga, near the Urban Variant, the Multiusos of Guimaraes was

1 WAKO EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS GUIMARÃES 2008 Sport hall Pavilhão Multiusos de Guimarães The European Wako Championshisps in Guimaraes 2008, take place in Pavilhão Multiusos de Guimaraes, the best sports facility in the region of Oporto and ranked as the third best Sport hall in Portugal. With prime location in one of the main entrances of the city, in the Creixomil Veiga, near the Urban Variant, the Multiusos of Guimaraes was built with a versatility that allows it to host major sporting competitions, conferences, trade fairs, exhibitions, musical concerts and other shows.

The Multi contributes to the development and affirmation of the

2 In five years of activity more than 1.2 million people participated in 239 events. The Multi contributes to the development and affirmation of the City of Guimaraes, declared Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 2001 and named the European Capital of Culture in 2012.

types of floors that allow the practice of all sports.

3 Occupying a total area of 12,270 m2 (8975m2 at 0, 2525 level 1 and level 2 to 770), has approximately 3,700 m2 of exhibition area useful in the central nave, fruit affixed to the sides of the telescopic type, with capacity for 3,000 seats available Nave This great addition, several types of floors that allow the practice of all sports. Furthermore, also has a flag of heating, 8 locker rooms, conference rooms and a number of offices and meeting rooms prepared for major events. Outside, beyond a large pedestrian square, offers more than 1000 seats marked for parking.

4 In Multiusos of Guimaraes of the comfort and quality associated with the provision of innovative services, ticketing, access control, the room assistants, catering and support the production and assembly. See clips, pictures from the Sport Hall in fallow Link: view=instalacoes&cat=1&subview=submenu&subcat=36&ssubcat=113

Hotels infos Hotel De Guimarães The hotel is an excellent and modern 4-star hotel where guests may enjoy a fantastic

will be almost completely reserved for WAKO members entering the Championships.

The hotel is in the town centre, a 5-minute walk from the historic town and near the train and bus stations.

Maria') with contemporary cuisine and a piano bar with lounge room.

5 Hotels infos Hotel De Guimarães The hotel is an excellent and modern 4-star hotel where guests may enjoy a fantastic panoramic view from Guimarães, classified as World Heritage, will be the headquarters of the WAKO European Championships, will be almost completely reserved for WAKO members entering the Championships. The weigh-ins, inscriptions and payments, as well as the referees seminar and other reunions will take place in this Hotel. The hotel is in the town centre, a 5-minute walk from the historic town and near the train and bus stations. The entire hotel has WLAN (internet) coverage. The hotel has a modern restaurant ( D. Maria') with contemporary cuisine and a piano bar with lounge room. The hotel's 4 banquet and meeting rooms are all equipped with modern technology and have capacity for 300 people. In the Health Club & SPA (entrance with fee) guests can access the swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath and gymnasium. Villa Hotel Guimarães Hotel Toural

6 Hotel da Taipas (***) Hotel Fundador Hotel Confort Inn

Guimarães The Art Of Living Well Economy Guimarães makes its livelihood primarily in textiles, (a secondary economic sector in Portugal) with 70% of local companies working in this industry.

The tanning and leather trades, which were pioneered here in the 19th century, are still active in some localities.

7 Guimarães The Art Of Living Well Economy Guimarães makes its livelihood primarily in textiles, (a secondary economic sector in Portugal) with 70% of local companies working in this industry. Metallurgy is also represented, as well as the cutlery industry; some of the country s most well-known brands are headquartered in the Guimarães district. The tanning and leather trades, which were pioneered here in the 19th century, are still active in some localities. In the last decade, companies in the tertiary sector of the economy have grown, most notably those in business consultancy. The banking and tourism sectors have also grown, and institutions of higher learning have also been founded. Agriculture, a primary economic sector nationally, is important in only the north of the District, which has a small population. Traditional Festivals Guimarães and its surrounding villages set the stage for a host of traditional festivals during the summer months, much like so many other cities and towns in the Minho province. The following feast days are celebrated throughout the Guimarães district: St. Peter (São Pedro) in Caldas das Taipas, St. George and St. Bras (São Jorge and São Bras) in Pevidém, St. James (São Tiago) in Ronfe, the Grand Procession (Romaria Grande) in the town of São Torcato and the feast day of the Crosses (as Cruzes) in Serzedelo. The Gualterianas, the largest local festivities, take place during the first weekend in August, whereas the Nicolinas are held from Nov. 29 to Dec 7 and are organised by the local secondary school students.

8 Handicrafts There is a strong tradition of arts and crafts in Guimarães. The Lovers Coin Jar (Cantarinha dos Namorados) is an example of how artisans have turned the cottage industry of handicrafts into an important local industry with dozens of businesses currently operating. Linen embroidery, pottery, wrought iron, silverwork and filigree, basketry and wicker furniture, cutlery, stonecutting and masonry work are all examples of the burgeoning activity in traditional trades. Held in May, the Handicrafts Fair in Guimarães is an important outlet for new creations to be exhibited; artisans from all over Portugal attend. Gastronomy The art of eating well has found a home in Guimarães thanks to the talents of many skilled cooks. To feast on the delicious local cuisine as often as possible, many residents of Guimarães, the Vimaranenses, save their pennies to eat out at least once a week, usually Saturday evening or Sunday lunch. The local dishes are traditional recipes similar to those found in other places in the Minho and include farm-raised chicken with rice, rojões (roast pork) or bucho recheado (pork tripe stuffed with pork cubes), papas de sarrabulho (shredded pork in gravy thickened with blood) and rice with sarrabulho, baked or stuffed cod, all accompanied by green wine (vinho verde) from the Minho region. Recipes for the traditional sweets of Guimarães were originated in local convents; the heavenly fat (toucinho do céu) is a dense cake which features shreds of cooked sweet pumpkin, and the tortas de Guimarães are croissant-shaped pastries.

Sport A fundamental, indispensible component of life here is football.

History The city of Guimarães is like no other city in Portugal.

- Tradition has it that the boy who would one day be crowned the first King of Portugal in 1179 was born and baptised in Guimarães in 1111.

9 Sport A fundamental, indispensible component of life here is football. Vitória de Guimarães is the city s team, which proudly boasts playing in Portugal s Premier League, the Superliga Portuguesa, for the last 50 years. History The city of Guimarães is like no other city in Portugal. Its past is so intimately intertwined with the History of Portugal that it is commonly and proudly referred to as the Cradle of the Nation. - Tradition has it that the boy who would one day be crowned the first King of Portugal in 1179 was born and baptised in Guimarães in Guimarães played an important role as the major municipality, or villa, during the time of the Condado Portucalense, the name given to the feudal lands between the Lima and Ave Rivers under the rule of the Kings of León (Spain). - Guimarães was said to be the site of the Battle of São Mamede, which gave victory to the young Dom Afonso Henriques, thus enabling him to gain independence for the Condado Portucalense from the Kingdom of León. This paved the way for the founding of the Portuguese Nation. The birth of Guimarães can be traced to its formal designation as a town, or villa. The original name was Vimaranes, which is thought to mean belonging to Vimara or Guimara, this being a Germanic name of one of the area s first lords. Over the centuries, the word evolved, via the Latin language, into the version we know today, yet the word Vimaranense has been kept as the term used to call the residents of Guimarães. In the 10th century, the Countess Mumadona Dias, aunt of King Ramiro II of León and widow of Count Hermenegildo Gonçalves, ordered the construction of a convent in her native town of Vimaranes. This religious site became a focus of great attraction and devotion on the part of the populace, and for its defense, a castle was built between the years 959 and 968. In the 11th century, King Afonso VI of Castile and León handed over the governance of the

10 Portucalense Province to Count Dom Henrique, where the latter came to live with his wife, Dona Teresa, the illegitimate daughter of Afonso VI. From this marriage came a son, born in 1111, the boy who would become the first King of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques. Before Count D. Henrique died in 1114, he succeeded in obtaining for the villa Vimaranes special royal privileges for its residents. On the 24th of June, 1128, the Battle of São Mamede took place, some historians claiming it was fought in the area known as the Field of São Mamede adjacent to the Castle of Guimarães. The battle brought together the forces of Dom Afonso Henriques, who favoured independence from the Kingdom of León, against those of his mother, D. Teresa and her ally, Count Peres de Trava of Galicia (Spain). The battle was won by D. Afonso Henriques, thus planting the seed for Portuguese Nationhood. In 1179, Afonso Henriques was granted the title of King of Portugal by Pope Alexander III in Rome. In the 12the century, the convent founded by the Countess Mumadona was declared a Chapter House, and it grew in importance and prestige due to the grants and gifts bestowed on it by kings and noblemen alike. Over the centuries, Guimarães has supported various commercial industries, such as cutlery, the spinning and weaving of linens, tanning and leatherworking and silversmithing. Devotion to the Virgin Nossa Senhora da Oliveira has made the town an important pilgrimage destination. Using the Convent and the Castle as anchoring points, walled fortifications were built for the defense of the city, and a main street the Rua de Santa Maria served as the artery between them. Around these two institutions sprang up many streets and buildings inside the walls, thus creating an architectural core that has remained basically unchanged since the 15th century. With the arrival of the Dominicans and the Franciscans, who established their religious orders outside the walls, came a greater expansion of the city. In 1853, Queen Dona Maria II elevated Guimarães to the rank of city, and shortly after that, various sections of the battlements were taken down. Other sections of the ancient walls may still be visited today.

World Heritage It is unanimously agreed upon that the name and image attributed to the Historic City Centre of Guimarães has spilled over into the arena of public domain, taking with it the

11 World Heritage It is unanimously agreed upon that the name and image attributed to the Historic City Centre of Guimarães has spilled over into the arena of public domain, taking with it the ever-present concept of quality rightfully associated with the City Centre. Over many years, Guimarães city officials pursued a policy of preserving architectural forms and rededicating spaces to new functions such that old and forgotten areas of the city were given a rebirth. Guimarães is the focus of greater levels of interest and recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a result of the city s strong commitment to the criteria it adopted and craftsmanship it supported in this area. More recent years have testified to the accomplishment of some old projects and ambitions. The renovation of public spaces and of municipal buildings, dedicating them to new functions and services, along with the technical and financial support for private initiatives, represent three main strategies that have helped in achieving two prime goals for the Historic City Centre of Guimarães. These goals are cited here: - First, the renovation of the landmarks in the Historic City Centre should strive for the highest level of authenticity by using traditional materials and techniques, an ideal which will not only maintain the architectural integrity but also respect the quality of form and function. - Second, the number of residents living in the Historic City Centre should be maintained, and the living conditions of this population should be improved. The result of such determination and exemplary work in the Historic City Centre can be seen in the following distinctions: Guimarães was awarded the Europa Nostra Prize in 1985, 1st prize from the Association of Portuguese Architects in 1993 and the Real Fundación de Toledo Prize in With the City Hall assuming an exemplary role by continuing its urban renovation activities, it is hoped that private entities will acquire the same sense of initiative which will spark a desire to rethink the physical space of their facilities and reinvent the way people move about and interact in the older parts of the city. Such an attitude would bring about a strong collective feeling or sense of humanity in the people, but this can only be achieved when forces join to work together. Initiatives like these which would benefit the public would have to encounter fewer obstacles than we sadly experience today. Time is normally a tough, hard to manage opponent; nevertheless, it remains a resource to be mobilized and integrated, so it is never truly a question of dealing with time wasted. An event might occur subtly, almost as if it were mythical character (think of our Latin roots) who has discovered a marvellous ancient jewel and anonymously returns to restore the ancient tradition of jewel-making, thus opening a window to the future. The difficult task is to awaken this spirit gently.

Mentioned over the centuries in various public documents, this quite ancient square retains a very medieval flavour.

12 Praça de Santiago Tradition has it that an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary was brought to Guimarães by the Apostle St. James and placed in a temple of pagan origins located in the square that now bears his name, the Praça de Santiago. Mentioned over the centuries in various public documents, this quite ancient square retains a very medieval flavour. It was not far from this square that the Franks first settled, arriving in the company of the Count Dom Henrique. A small chapel with a porch dating from the 17th century dedicated to St. James was demolished in the 19th century. Rua de Santa Maria One of the first open streets in Guimarães, the Rua de Santa Maria linked the convent established by the Countess Mumadona and the lower part of the town to the Castle and the upper part of the town. Its name has been recorded in documents dating to the 12th century; however, the upper section of the street was known as the Rua da Infesta. Over the centuries, the architecture of various buildings and stately homes has borne witness to time the Convent of Santa Clara, the Casa do Arco, the Casa dos Peixotos and the Casa Gótica dos Valadares just to mention a few whose features have given Guimarães its unique identity.

Largo do Toural Considered to be the heart of the city, in the 17th century this square, located at one of the gates to the city, was actually outside the town walls, where cattle and other items

In 1791, the City Hall took possession of some plots of land adjacent to the city walls for the construction of buildings in accordance with a plan thought to have come from Lisbon.

13 Largo do Toural Considered to be the heart of the city, in the 17th century this square, located at one of the gates to the city, was actually outside the town walls, where cattle and other items where sold at market. In 1791, the City Hall took possession of some plots of land adjacent to the city walls for the construction of buildings in accordance with a plan thought to have come from Lisbon. Thus, the slow transformation of the Toural began. In the second half of the 19th century, the Public Gardens were built, inaugurated in With a wrought iron fence around it, the park featured the design material popular at the time iron which was used to build benches, lamps, a pavilion for musical performances and even a public urinal. With the fall of the monarchy and the rise of the Republic, the public gardens were transferred to another site and a statue of Dom Afonso Henriques was erected in the remodelled Toural Square. A few years later, this statue was removed to the Parque do Castelo and replaced by a more artistic one Rua Dom João I The Rua D. João I was at one time one of the busiest streets in Guimarães since it led travellers in the direction of Oporto. It still maintains an air of the past due to its dark narrow turns and the many old houses famous for the wooden balusters of their balconies. An important landmark on the street is the Monument to King D. João I, which dates from the 16th century. The monument is a large, magnificent stone cross protected under a Renaissance wooden porch. It was moved a small distance from its original location in the 19th century due to the high volume of traffic. Other important monuments include the building of the convent of the Venerable Third

14 Order of St. Domingos (Venerável Ordem Terceira de S. Domingos) from the 19th century, begun in 1836 and solemnly dedicated in In 1854, the same religious order began the construction of the Hospital dos Entrevados. The City Today On the 13th of December 2001, UNESCO granted the Historic City Centre of Guimarães the distinction of World Heritage Site on the basis of the its strong link to the people and events involved in founding of the Portuguese Nation, due to the fact that architectural techniques developed there in the Middle Ages were then spread throughout the country, and in view of the evolution of various types of construction present in Guimarães, notably examples from the 15th to the 19th centuries. City officials are ardently committed to maintaining the quality of life of the population of Guimarães as well as to preserving the city s unique cultural heritage. Their efforts can be seen in the various urban and cultural renewal projects in the Historic City Centre begun in the 1980s. These initiatives focused not only on the renovation of dwellings, squares and public buildings, (which entailed using traditional materials and construction methods in the case of private residences), but also on the preservation of the social fabric of the city. This renovation was responsible for transforming the Historic City Centre into a lively, sought-after meeting place, frequented by students and townspeople alike, and much admired by tourists. In the summer, many cultural and leisure activities are offered so that the Historic City Centre becomes an even more attractive spot. Besides this important historical component that characterizes the Birthplace City, (Cidade Berço) Guimarães has undertaken to build sport and leisure facilities to improve on the quality of life and diversify the city s image. Of particular note are: The Guimarães Athletic Complex, which include the Municipal Swimming Pools, the Running Track, the Cycling Track and the Multi-Purpose Pavilion. The City Park, which offers residents ample space to practice all types of sport in a natural setting. The Couros Multi-Purpose Complex, which came into being following the renovation of an urban zone known for the leatherworking trade, the neighbourhood of Couros. The complex is made up of: The Youth Hostel The Guimarães Cybercentre The Social Solidarity Centre

15 The Youth Support Centre The Leatherworking Museum (under construction) Given that the Internet is a vital tool in today s world, the City has created the Internet Space (Sala Espaço Internet) which provides access to new information technologies free of charge. The creation of the Vila Flor Cultural Centre, currently in its final stages, will transform a charming 18th century palace, enabling Guimarães to host a variety of cultural events such as operas, music concerts, and theatre productions, with on-site restaurants and sufficient parking. Rethinking how traffic circulates and how much parking is available is of great concern to local officials, specifically in regard to the impact on the Historic City Centre. To this end, an underground car park is being built at the Largo da Mumadona, adjacent to the area classified by UNESCO as World Heritage. The car park at the Vila Flor Cultural Centre was conceived to improve traffic conditions in the city as well.

THE ONLY DESTINATION. oporto and north of portugal

THE ONLY DESTINATION. oporto and north of portugal THE ONLY DESTINATION oporto and north of portugal OPORTO AND NORTH OF PORTUGAL THE ONLY DESTINATION The origin of Portugal, Oporto and the North is a region marked by a strong historical and cultural heritage