The city of GuimarÃes

 The 13th European Urban Resilience Forum will take place on 17-19 June 2026 in Guimarães, Portugal.

Guimarães, stands out for its green landscapes and privileged natural environment, marked by an extensive network of natural paths, rivers and areas of great ecological value. Surrounded by forests rich in biodiversity and carefully preserved natural spaces, the city has managed to integrate its urban development within an exceptionally well-preserved natural environment that makes the city unique.

This balance between nature, well-being, and responsible planning, together with a firm commitment to sustainability and the implementation of ambitious green policies, has granted Guimarães the title of European Green Capital 2026. In recent years, the city has become a benchmark for sustainable mobility, efficient resource management and citizen participation in the ecological transition.

For those attending the Forum this year, Guimarães also offers an enviable cultural and historical wealth. Its history and cultural dynamism led to it being named European Capital of Culture in 2012, a recognition that consolidated the city’s  international profile. Guimarães is widely known as the ‘cradle of Portugal’ for its fundamental role in the country's origins. Its historic centre, one of the best examples of the preservation of a medieval village and its evolution into a contemporary city, maintaining its essence and heritage, is a living testimony to centuries of history.

Discover the city

To help you discover its most emblematic corners, a Green Map of the city is available. The map shows great examples of the city's natural heritage and positive environmental practices, which combine heritage, nature and local sustainability projects. As part of EURESFO, you will be able to attend one of the four planned site visits, where you will be able to discover these corners in depth. 

These visits will offer a unique opportunity to learn how Guimarães is transforming its historical legacy into a driving force for a greener, more inclusive, and resilient future:

  • Penha Mountain, the main continuous green area with viewpoints and trails in the heart of nature.
  • The Rota da Biodiversidade (Biodiversity Route), a trail several kilometers long that connects different habitats representative of the territory.
  • Laboratório da Paisagem (Landscape Laboratory), a research-dedicated structure involved in several projects in areas as diverse as biodiversity, water resources, climate, health and wellbeing, and circular economy.
  • Innovative projects, such as Horta Pedagógica (Community Garden), which promotes sustainable urban agriculture, or Bairro C (District C), an urban laboratory for innovation in mobility, energy, and space reuse.
  • The Gymnastics Academy of Guimarães, a training and competition facility with built-in sustainable solutions like rainwater capture and reuse systems, photovoltaic panels, and geothermal energy for climate control.

Download the Green Map