Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds the distinction of being the fourth most visited destination among UNESCO sites. “This is something extraordinary. (The title) is not for the excellence of a single building, but for the harmonious ensemble that spans multiple eras,” explains Portuguese architect Manuel Roque, a member of the Pitagoras Group. I had the pleasure of exploring Guimarães alongside him, delving into its charming streets and squares to learn about the city’s rich history.

Furthermore, Guimarães earned the title of European Capital of Culture in 2012, owing to its extensive cultural programming, which also sparked new projects. One notable addition is the José de Guimarães Arts Platform, designed by Roque, who has contributed to several other structures within the city.

 

However, Guimarães’ transformation was not always evident. Around 40 years ago, the historic center languished, suffering from abandonment and even safety concerns. Nestled in the Valley of River Ave, the city’s economy was heavily reliant on the textile industry, which gradually unraveled with the opening of markets in Asia. “There was a period of economic decline, and the city needed to discover a new path through its rich historical heritage.” Step by step, the local authorities rejuvenated public spaces, starting with a few squares. The private sector played a pivotal role in restoring the buildings, setting off a ripple effect.

With this revitalization, the historic center has once again become the heart of the city. Today, it is a tourist hotspot adorned with restaurants, cafes, and traditional shops. Crucially, it is also a place where people live. Roque emphasizes, “It’s not a dollhouse or a bustling Disneyland; it’s a place where people call home.”

Guimarães is attuned to the city’s function, with small grocery stores scattered throughout its streets, for instance. In contrast to the modernist approach, which advocated separating functions, cities designed around human-scale principles must embrace multifunctionality. “It’s the complete opposite of any model we’re familiar with, based on car use. I drive to the mall, then to my condo, and in between, there’s nothing—just a no-man’s land, enclosed by glass, dominated by cars. This urban space concept has utterly failed; it’s the antithesis of what a city should be. The significant misstep of the modernist movement lies precisely in its approach to urban design,” laments Roque, himself a fervent admirer of modern architecture.

Multifunctionality, the presence of small traditional businesses, cohabitation with current and future residents, urban planning that discourages car usage, vibrant public squares, delightful surprises along the way, intricate façade details, and urban art—these elements are fundamental to human-centered cities. “You don’t need to create much more. The city is always a meeting point,” concludes Roque.