Casa de Sezim (Guimaraes, Portugal)

Casa de Sezim became the ancestral home of the present family in 1376. The original vellum documents still exist and record that Maria Mendes Serrazinha gave Casa de Sezim to Afonso Martins a descendant of D. Joao de Freitas a companion of D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. The document states that Casa de Sezim was given to Afonso Martins in recognition of ' As boas gracas que dele recebeu e espera receber e por crenca que lhe fez', the good works received from him and hope to receive and for his trusting belief. The beauty of Casa de Sezim is not only in its harmonious lines or the impressive facade of its majestic entrance, as within its walls hang early XIX century panoramic wallpapers, scenes from both of the new and old world, of sufficient rarity to have become a motive of international curiosity in recent years. Casa de Sezim sits in the heart of the Minho, the Garden of Portugal, near Guimaraes, Portugals first capital. The Minho is a region of great natural and artistic beauty as well as being one of both historic and prehistoric interest. Guimaraes is linked to Oporto and the Dr. Francisco Sa Carneiro airport by motorway. It is within easy reach of the city of Braga - The Brachara Augusta of the Romans - The National Park of Peneda - Gerez, and the seaside resorts of Vila do Conde and Povoa de Varzim, the later served by a modern links golf course. Casa de Sezim is opened all the year round to tourists and offers a choice of eight spacious and confortable bedrooms, two en-suite and permits the use of two lounges, one exclusively for tourists and the other used for conferences, meetings and exhibitions. Our visitors can make use of the Swimming Pool, as well as enjoying walks through the surrounding hills in the summer, or simply relax and enjoy a glass of our noted estate bottled wine, but that is another story... There are hunting trips during the winter season to the mountains nearby. Recreation: Our visitors can make use of the Swimming Pool, as well as enjoying walks through the surrounding hills in the summer, or simply relax and enjoy a glass of our noted estate bottled wine, but that is another story... There are hunting trips during the winter season to the mountains nearby. Dining: In the surrounding area you will find restaurants offering you local dishes and international cuisin