Loading...
Loading...
Braga, Portugal
Braga is one of Portugal's oldest cities and its religious heart, with a concentration of churches and religious architecture unmatched in the country. The Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, with its monumental Baroque stairway of 577 steps zigzagging up a forested hillside, is Braga's most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the top, a neoclassical church offers panoramic views over the Minho region. The city center is compact and walkable, with the Arco da Porta Nova gateway leading into a pedestrian old town of Baroque churches, noble houses, and lively squares. The Se (Cathedral) is one of Portugal's most important, founded in the 11th century. Braga's large student population keeps the cafes and bars buzzing, and the city has embraced contemporary culture alongside its religious heritage, with creative spaces and a growing food scene.
explore by interest
Climb the Bom Jesus stairway on foot (there is also a water-powered funicular) — the stations of the cross and fountain allegories along the way are works of art in themselves.
April through June offers warm weather and the spectacular Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations, when Braga's religious processions are Portugal's most elaborate.