The beautiful city of the Portuguese north is a puzzle of beauty, historical heritage, traditional religiosity and modernity. Many call it the “Rome of Portugal”, as its Roman heritage is strong in its atmosphere and architecture. Museums, churches, buildings and natural parks create a collage of impressive emotions. It is a city that you will fall in love with at first sight!
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +351
Nearest airports from city center: Porto Airport (41km), Vigo Airport (98km), Santiago de Compostela (198km), Coruna Airport (251km) and Lisbon Airport (356km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** BRAGA CATHEDRAL (Rua Dom Paio Mendes, 4700-424, Braga)
This particular church has a long history, as it is the first cathedral in the country! It was opened in 1089 and is the trademark of the city. In the Chapel of the Kings are buried the parents of the first king of Portugal. It is of Gothic style and the interior decoration is Baroque style.
*** SANCTUARY OF BOM JESUS DO MONTE (Estrada do Bom Jesus, 4715-056 Tenões)
The temple of incomparable beauty was built in 1784 and is an Italian neoclassical design, which at the same time emphasizes all the required elements of northern Portugal. The impressive staircase leading to the top has symbolic fountains, beautiful statues and is decorated with various religious themes. such as the Stations of the Cross, Moses receiving the Commandments, the Virtues, the Five Senses and the eight biblical figures who contributed to the death of Jesus. The interior of the temple is also impressive.
*** SAMEIRO SANCTUARY (Avenida Nossa Sra. do Sameiro 44, 4715-616 Braga)
On the homonymous hill and at an altitude of 566 meters dominates the Sanctuary of Panagia Sameiro, which is one of the most popular places of worship of the Marians. Explore the Temple and you will be impressed. Also, enjoy the awesome view of Braga.
*** BISCAINHOS MUSEUM (Rua dos Biscaínhos 4700-415 Braga)
Housed in a palace of a noble family that was built in the 17th century, you have the opportunity to see rare works of art from the 17th and 18th centuries (ceramics, porcelain, silverware, textiles, paintings). Wander through the gardens inspired by 18th century France!
*** MUSUEM OF ARCHEOLOGY D. DIOGO DE SOUSA (Rua dos Bombeiros Voluntários s/n, 4700-025 Braga)
It opened its gates and took its name from the archbishop of Braga between 1505 and 1532, who adored the field of Archaeology. You will find archaeological collections from the Palaeolithic to the Medieval period of northern Portugal.
*** MONASTERY OF SAO MARTINHO DE TIBAES (R. do Mosteiro n.º 59, 4700-565 Mire de Tibães)
It is worth visiting the monastery built in a former Roman villa called Tevilanis and founded by Saint Martin of Dume in the 6th century. It is about 5 km away from the center of Braga. Admire the architecture and rich decoration of the Monastery.
*** HOLLY CROSS CHURCH (Largo Carlos Amarante 11, 4700-308 Braga)
The construction of the Church began in 1625 and was completed a century later (1737). The inspiration for its construction was the founder of the Order of the Holy Cross, Jerónimo Portilo. Admire the Mannerist and Baroque architectural style. Inside you will see stone arches of incomparable beauty and exquisite decoration.
*** ARCHBISHOPS COURT (Praça Municipal, 4820-142 Braga)
It is the former residence of the archbishops of Braga and consists of three buildings, which have different architectural styles. One is Gothic, the second Renaissance and the third Baroque. Visit the gardens surrounding the palace arches.
*** IDOLO FOUNTAIN (Rua do Raio 379, 4700-924 Braga)
It is a sanctuary of prehistoric art, built at the beginning of the 1st century and associated with water. A Roman citizen named Celico Fronto was the man who ordered its builder. The granite fountain belongs to the list of Nacional Monuments.
*** MUSEU PIO XII (Largo de Santiago 47, 4700-039 Braga)
See an important part of the work of Henrique Medina who was one of the greatest portrait artists of the 20th century. Also see collection of coins, ceramics, sculptures, paintings, jewelry, etc. Walk all 5 floors to see exhibits from many historical periods.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** If you like History, then visit Citânia de Briteiros and you will see ruins from the Iron Age.
*** You must walk through the city and find yourself at Arco da Porta Nova.
*** It is worth a walk to Braga City Hall, which is a 19th century building.
*** The Braga Tower is also a landmark of the city.
*** Lovers of photos and images can find themselves in their own… paradise if they visit the Image Museum.
*** The religious element is strong in the city and can be found in the Igreja Misericórdia, Capela e Casa dos Coimbras, Braga archdiocese, Igreja de Santa Maria Madalena, Church of Saint Victor and Igreja do Carmo.
*** Do not miss the opportunity to visit Chapel Tree of Life.
FOOD AND DRINK
Walk the streets of Braga and enjoy the smells from the restaurants. Taste the famous Caldo verde soup and Papas de sarrabulho (pork and chicken meat with smoked salpicão and chouriço sausages), Cabidela (poultry with rice), Cataplana de marisco (seafood), Sardinhas assadas, Cozido à portuguesa (boiled meat), Arroz de tamboril (like paella), Feijoada (veal and pork stew) and Açorda (thinly sliced bread with garlic, chopped coriander, olive oil and poached eggs). Accompany your food with local wines and beers.
WHERE TO STAY
Τhere are hotels in the city center and every neighborhood of the city for all budgets.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** Walk to Parque do Monte do Picoto and enjoy the view of the city.
*** Braga also has a beach. Take a walk in Parque da Praia Fluvial de Adaúfe.
*** Rua Campo Parretas is also a nice place to walk.
*** For your shopping go to Centro commercial Nova Arcada complex, BragaShopping, Edifício Liberdade Street Fashion, Braga Parque.
*** You will find many shops in the city center and especially on Avenida da Liberdade.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Although it is a hilly city, it is nice to walk around. Also, bikes and buses are an equally great option.
CITIES NEAR BRAGA
Major cities close to Braga are Guimaraes (16km), Barcelos (22km), Porto (57km), Vigo (109km), Aveiro (123km) and Lisbon (363km)
