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 1996.

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.