Braga Portugal – Planning Your Visit
When planning your itinerary for Portugal, the charming and historical northern city of Braga should be on your list of places worth visiting.
Often referred to as the “Rome of Portugal” and the “City of Archbishops”, it is one of Portugal’s oldest cities.
Its roots date back to when Rome ruled over the peninsula containing Spain and Portugal, which they called Hispania, for almost 700 years from 218 BC to 460 AD.
As a history lover, I enjoyed exploring the city – especially the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Braga is a wonderful place for those who also appreciate art and architecture as well as those on a religious pilgrimage.
I have organized this post with your visit starting at the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary and then going down to the historic center and starting at the closest point, Praca da Republica and doing a walking tour to Arco da Porta Nova.
The walking tour route in the historic center of Braga is approximately 3/4 of a mile.
Visit Braga’s UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, or Good Jesus of the Mount, is perhaps Braga’s most iconic landmark and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
History of the Sanctuary
The location of the sanctuary atop Mount Espinho, according to legend, was selected after a cross was seen in the sky above the mountain after the Battle of Salado in 1340 where Spanish and Portuguese Christian soldiers fought back against an invasion of African Muslims, as known as Moors.
The original chapel was completed in 1373 and dedicated to the Holy Cross.
The church was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, similar to many Catholic Churches on one of the highest points of the region, as a response to the religious turmoil brought by the Protestant Reformation.
The Three Stairways up to the Sanctuary
The iconic stairs up to Bom Jesus de Monte are what many people picture when they think of the sanctuary. The three sets of stairways were built in three separate phases.
The first set of stairs up to the sanctuary were built in 1722 under the patronage of the Archbishop of Braga, Rodrigo de Moura Telles.
Starting at the base of the hill, these stairs are known as the Portico and contain elements of the Via Crucis (the Way of the Cross). They are traditional stairs in two landings with four chapels containing small terracotta statues and altars depicting the “Passion of Christ”.
The next set of stairs, also built under the patronage of Archbishop de Moura Telles, starts the zigzag pattern and depicts the Five Senses (sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste) with fountains representing each sense.
The third and final set of stairs, constructed in 1781 under the patronage of Archbishop Gaspar de Bragança, continues the zigzag pattern and depicts the Three Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity.
In the most traditional sense of a pilgrimage, worshippers would climb the 573 stairs on their knees or on their hands and knees as a way to pay homage to the physical pain Jesus endured during the “Passion” in his final days.
The water from the fountains along the stairs offers hydration and serves as symbols of baptism and purification for the pilgrims.
All three stairways are styled in the Baroque tradition as seen in the twisting columns along the Portico, the ornate decorations of the fountains, and dramatic zigzagging architecture meant to inspire feelings of awe and wonder from the visitors.
The Sanctuary
Once at the top of the stairs, the Sanctuary and the surrounding grounds feel a bit like arriving in a lush representation of the Garden of Eden.
Construction began under Archbishop de Bragança in 1784 and the sanctuary was consecrated in 1834.
The architecture of the newly consecrated and current Sanctuary and the surrounding grounds are Neoclassic with its marble columns, exterior sculptures, interior gilded surface, and lush gardens.
Inside the sanctuary, the artwork behind the altar is a three dimensional depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus.
I recommend at least 90 minutes to visit the Bom Jesus do Monte and the surrounding areas (more time if you want to explore the gardens).
It is free to visit the stairs and the Sanctuary. You can pay to visit the bell towers.
The Sanctuary is open from 8AM to 7PM (9AM to 6PM in the winter)
There is a 19th century funicular that riders can take up to the top of the hill and then walk down the stairs.
The funicular is open from 9AM to 8PM (7PM in the winter) and costs €2 to go up and €3 for round trip.
Here is more information about Bom Jesus do Monte, including hours and funicular tickets.
Things to Do in Braga
In addition to visiting the Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga offers many amazing ways to spend your day or to serve as your home base while exploring Northern Portugal.
You can get to the historic center of Braga by taking a bus immediately after the funicular exit. The bus ride will take approximately 20 minutes depending on the route.
Here is more information about the buses in Braga. The page is in Portuguese and will need to be translated to English.
Explore the Historic Center
The historic center of Braga includes the Republic Square (Praça da República), the Archbishop’s Palace with its lovely Santa Barbara Garden, the Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga) and Arco da Porta Nova.
Many shops and cafes line the streets of the historic center and the proximity of the attractions to the historic center of Braga make it the perfect place for starting and ending points.
I have organized the post like a walking tour, starting at the Republic Square (closest to Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary) and ending at the Arco da Porta Nova.
Republic Square (Praça de República)
Dating back over 500 years to the late Middle Ages, the square originally served as a place for people to sell their goods.
Its current name is in celebration of the Republic of Portugal being founded in 1910 after 800 years of being ruled by a monarch.
Two restaurants of note are Café Vianna and Café Astória, both are over 100 years old.
Inside the main chapel, you will see elements of Gothic and Manueline along with gorgeous and ornate painted ceiling and wood organs.
The Archbishops’ Palace (Paço Arquiepiscopal)
The Archbishops’ Palace served as the residence of Braga’s archbishops for centuries.
The three buildings of the Palace have distinct characteristics and styles due to its construction and renovations across the centuries.
The oldest building is the Eastern Wing, started in 1336 by Archbishop Gonçalo Pereria, with its arches next to the lovely Santa Barbara Gardens (Jardim de Santa Bárbara).
The South Wing, known as the Palace Square, was designed between the 16-18th centuries and served as residences for the same Archbishops who played a role in building the Bom Jesus do Monte.
The Western Wing, facing the Municipal Square, is the newest section and was built for Archbishop de Bragança, who completed the final three stairways of the Bom Jesus do Monte.
Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga)
Consecrated in 1089, nearly 50 years older than Portugal as a country and almost 300 years older than the Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Portugal.
The cathedral played an important role in the creation and expansion of the Catholic Church in Portugal and serves as the Archdiocese of Braga.
History, architecture, and art lovers will appreciate the exterior of the Cathedral and the interior chapels with their unique characteristics and artwork.
Similar to the Archbishop’s Palace, the Cathedral draws from different architectural and artistic styles due to its construction and renovations over the centuries.
The exterior Gothic elements include the three arches at the main entrance and the gargoyles, which also serve as rain spouts, at the top of the Cathedral.
The two towers at the main entrance are part of the Baroque architecture style, with more ornate designs.
The Manueline elements of the architecture are specific to Portugal and celebrate the Age of Discovery, which reached the heights of global exploration under King Manuel I.
This style of architecture includes elements of naval exploration, as well as symbols from the global trade Portugal had with Asia, Africa, and India.
Immediately past the main entrance to the church is the choir box surrounded by a ceiling, beautifully painted in the ornate Baroque style, and some of the most famous painted gold wood and organ pipes in Portugal.
There are also three main chapels.
The Chapel of Glory was finished in 1348 and serves as the final resting place for Archbishop Gonçalo Pereira. Don’t miss the walls painted in the Moorish style with colorful geometric patterns.
The Chapel of the Kings was built in 1374 and serves as the final resting place for Count Henrique and Countess Theresa, the parents of the first king of Portugal, Alfonso I.
The Chapel of the Piety was finished in 1513 and serves as the final resting place for Archbishop Diogo de Sousa, one of the main supporters of the Cathedral and the Manueline style.
I recommend at least an hour to explore all the rooms of the Cathedral. The Cathedral is open to worshippers from 8AM to 7PM (Apr-Sept) and from 8AM to 6:30PM (Oct-Mar).
The Cathedral is open to visitors from 9:30AM to 12:30PM and from 2:30 to 6:30 (Apr-Sept) and to 5:30PM (Oct-Mar).
Entry to the Cathedral is €2 with the ability to add on €2 to see the chapels and the choir box. If you want access to the Cathedral Museum, it is €3.
Here is more information on the Braga Cathedral. The page is in Portuguese and will need to be translated to English.
Arco da Porta Nova (Arch of the New Gate)
The Porta Nova serves as one of the main entrances to the historic center of the city.
Originally a gateway along a defensive wall to the city built in the late 13th century, it was later fortified in the late 14th century and middle 16th century.
Its current structure was built in the 18th century and has a Baroque style, with its dramatic and decorative architecture above the arch.
The eastern facing part of the arch has a statue of Mary and the western facing part of the arch has a statue of a woman representing the city of Braga and the Portuguese coat of arms.
Experience Local Festivals
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Braga’s culture is by participating in its local festivals.
Given the religious history of the city, the Holy Week celebrations are among the most famous in Portugal, attracting visitors from all over the world.
In mid to late April, there is an International Organ Festival celebrating the numerous churches in the area, including the Braga Cathedral and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary.
In May, usually the last weekend, Braga celebrates its Roman heritage with the Bracara Augusta Festival, including theater and dance performances and military exercises with gladiators.
How Far is Braga from Porto?
Braga is conveniently located approximately 35 miles from Porto, making it a very easy day trip.
Traveling by Train
Direct trains from Porto to Braga take less than 45 minutes from the Porto Campanhã station.
Here is information on the travel options via train.
Is Braga Portugal Worth Visiting?
This question is met with a resounding yes.
Braga’s unique blend of historical and religious significance, its nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, and lively festivals make it a destination worth adding to any Portugal itinerary.
Braga is a city interwoven into the history of Portugal and played a major role in shaping the country’s religious identity. Visiting Braga is like walking through centuries of history and seeing the legacy left behind.
Trip Planning Resources for Braga
If you’re ready to discover the wonders of Braga, here are some resources to start planning your trip today.
As a disclaimer, I may earn a small commission with each tour booked by clicking any of the links.
Braga Tour with Bom Jesus do Monte
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