Braga (Portugal), which attracts millions of visitors, is located near Porto (50 km). The city is recognized as the center of Catholicism, and the archbishop’s residence has been located here since the beginning of the 16th century. Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and ordinary tourists flock here to enjoy the unique architectural objects built in different historical eras.
Braga consists of two parts – old and new. Of course, tourists are more interested in the old town, the entrance to it is decorated with the Arco da Porta Nova gate, which was built at the end of the 18th century.
The best time to visit the center of Catholicism in Portugal is Easter, when you can participate in many religious events.
There are so many attractions in the city of Braga in Portugal that it is almost impossible to see them all in a couple of days. We have selected the most interesting and significant ones. The city itself is described here.
Sanctuary of Bon Jesus do Monti
It is located in the immediate vicinity of the Tenoinche district, on a hill, from here you can enjoy a surprisingly picturesque landscape. Pilgrims start their ascent with a 116-meter-long oddly shaped staircase.
The history of the shrine begins in the 14th century, when a cross and a chapel of the Holy Cross were erected on the hill. For two hundred years, chapels were built here, and at the beginning of the 17th century, the brotherhood of Jesus de Monte was created. This event was initiated by the Archbishop. By his decision, a temple was built in Braga, the appearance of which is still preserved today.
The arrangement of the temple and landscape complex was carried out for a long hundred years, winding paths were formed, chapels were built, the appearance of which resembled grottoes decorated with biblical scenes. At the end of the 19th century, a tram was installed here, which connected the temple and the lower city.
The facade is made in the form of a cross, decorated with two bell towers, the arches of which are made in the form of bulbs. At the edges of the entrance there are two niches in which sculptures of prophets are installed, and in the courtyard there are statues on the Biblical theme.
The name of the shrine means-the Sanctuary of Christ on Calvary. The landscape complex attracts not only millions of pilgrims, but also architects who come here for inspiration.
The staircase is undoubtedly the gem of the complex. It consists of several spans:
- at the portico;
- the five senses;
- the three virtues.
On the stairs of Bon Jesus do Monti, you can see fountains, amazing sculptures that symbolize human feelings, as well as the three virtues.
Please note! The park of the complex is equipped with tennis courts, cafes and restaurants, playgrounds, recreation areas.
- Where to find the attraction: Three miles or 4.75 km southeast of Braga on the N103 highway, Portugal.
- Opening hours: 8-00 — 19-00 in summer, 9-00-18-00 in winter.
- Admission is free.
- Official website: https://bomjesus.pt/
Braga Funicular
An interesting and atmospheric attraction in the city of Braga in Portugal is the funicular that leads to the Bom Jesus do Monte temple complex. For a small fee, a tram will help tourists climb to the temple. The funicular is located in a picturesque place, surrounded by trees and dense vegetation, in such a tunnel it is pleasant to relax.
The tram is the first in Portugal-built in the late 19th century and runs on water traction. Before each departure, the funicular gives a funny signal.
- Location: Largo do Santuario do Bom Jesus, Braga, Portugal.
- The cost of a one – way ticket is 1.5 euros, and a round trip ticket costs 2.5 euros.
- Opening hours: in summer – from 9-00 to 20-00, in winter – from 9-00 to 19-00.
Useful tip! Such a tram is very useful for older people who find it difficult to overcome a long staircase. The most successful way is to go up to the temple by funicular, and go down the stairs.
Cathedral of Santa Maria de Braga
This cathedral is recognized as the most significant architectural object in Braga. Its greatness was celebrated by many representatives of the church, architects, sculptors and artists.
The temple was built in stages. Construction work began in 1071, 18 years later the chapels in the eastern part were completed, and work stopped. Work soon resumed and continued until the 13th century.
The church is decorated in Romanesque style. A little later, chapels and a pre-temple decorated in the Gothic style were added to the main building. The temple wall is decorated with a sculpture of the Virgin Mary.
The exterior design of the complex is a mixture of several architectural styles that were popular at that time.
Inside, the building is divided into several parts and all of them are worth seeing. There are also two ancient organs installed in the temple. Of particular interest is the main Manueline chapel. The cathedral also has a treasury museum, the main exhibit of which is a tabernacle made of silver and decorated with 450 diamonds.
Interesting to know! In the Royal Chapel, the parents of the first Portuguese monarch are buried, and in the Chapel of Glory, Archbishop Gonzalo Pereira is buried.
- Location: Se Primaz Rua Dom Paio Mendes, Braga.
- You can visit the cathedral from 9-30 to 12-30 and from 14-30 to 17-30 (in summer until 18-30).
- Entrance fees: to the cathedral — 2€, to the chapel-2€, to the museum-treasury of the cathedral-3€. combined tickets are subject to discounts. Admission is free for children under 12 years of age.
- Website: https://se-braga.pt/
Sameiro Sanctuary
The shrine is located a few kilometers from the sanctuary of Bon Jesus de Monte on a hill (approximately half a kilometer above sea level). From here, Braga is visible, as if, in the palm of your hand. The shrine is one of the most visited and largest in Portugal.
The sanctuary is notable for its beautiful white granite altar. There is also a cancer made of silver and a sculpture of the Madonna. A long staircase leads to the sanctuary, and the entrance is decorated with columns decorated with sculptures of the Virgin Mary and Christ.
At the end of the 20th century, the Pope held a service in Sanctuary, and about one hundred thousand believers listened to him. After the memorable event, a monument to John Paul II was erected here, and earlier a monument to Pope Pius IX was erected.
Also, the church is worth visiting for the panoramic views of the city of Braga, which open from its territory.
Interesting! Most believers gather here on the first Saturday of June and on the last Saturday of August.
- Location on the map: Avenida Nossa Sra. do Sameiro 44, Monte do Sameiro, Braga, Portugal. Coordinates for Yandex. Navigator: N 41º 32 ‘ 39 “W 8º 25’ 19”
- The schedule of work and services may change, please check on the official website: https://santuariodosameiro.pt.
Santa Barbara Gardens
When asked what to see in Braga in Portugal, tourists definitely answer-Santa Barbara Gardens. They appeared in the middle of the last century and are located at the western, most ancient wall of the bishop’s castle, where the library is located. Many tourists who have visited here call the attraction the most picturesque in the country.
The garden is decorated in a Renaissance style. The territory is well-groomed, there are different types of plants growing here. Here you can see boxwood flowerbeds planted in the correct geometric shape and decorated with cedars.
In the central part of the park area, you can see the fountain and the statue of St. Barbara. The latter during life saved from sudden death, from a sea storm and fire. A dilapidated medieval arcade separates the northern and southern parts of the garden.
City location: Eastern wing of the Archiepiscopal Court, Rua Francisco Sanches, Braga, Portugal.
Republic Square
One of the main attractions of Braga is the Republic Square, which connects the two parts of the city – ancient and modern. The most interesting part is the ancient part, where the Gothic buildings of the 16th and 17th centuries have been preserved. Many tourists start exploring the sights of Braga from the Republic Square, since all the important shrines are within walking distance.
Directly on the square there is the House of Mercy, built in the 16th century, its first floor is decorated with tiles, columns, and the vault is decorated with a crucifix. In the center there is a fountain with a cross and a town hall.
Location: Praca da Republica, Braga.
Biscaynews Palace and Garden
The old Baroque castle is located next to the Cathedral of Braga. The modern appearance of the palace has changed several times, as the structure has changed many times. Many architects call it a masterpiece of art. The rooms are decorated very exquisitely-the walls are decorated with ceramic tiles, decorated with paintings. Such beauty will be interesting to see.
The garden, founded in 1750, deserves special attention. According to the architect’s plan, the garden is made in several tiers, each with unique plants, sculptures and fountains. The garden, like the palace, is designed in the Baroque style.
This is interesting! For three centuries, the palace complex was owned by private individuals, the state bought the landmark in 1963.
Where it is located: Rua Joao Braga 41° 33 ‘2.54 N 8° 25’ 51.35 W, Braga 4715-198 Portugal.
Braga (Portugal), whose sights delight and help to organize thoughts, invites you to visit numerous museums. The most interesting ones are the Pius XII Museum and the Noguer da Silva Museum.
