Just a short 45-minute drive north of Porto sits the town of Braga, the center of Portuguese history and culture and perhaps the religious center of Portugal. Braga is the home to Se de Braga church with, the oldest cathedral in the country, as well as the famous Bom Jesus Du Monte and its remarkable Baroque staircase. Braga is home to … university and offers tourists a variety of attractions including quaint narrow streets, beautiful plazas, great shopping, and always tempting Portuguese cuisine.
Climbing the stairway to heaven. The famous Baroque pilgrimage features the stations of the cross as you ascend the 580 steps to the Bom Jesus Do Monte cathedral. As we climbed the zig-zagging staircase and reflected on the stations, I could not help but hum Led Zeppelin’s tune to myself. The craftsmanship and the attention to detail are truly awe-inspiring and something to behold. Be sure to allow time to take in the stations and to rest as you climb the stairway.
Bom Jesus Du Monte is located on the slopes of Mount Espinho, overlooking the city of Braga, Bom Jesus du Monte is an 18th century church, built in a neo-classical design and was recently designated as a UNESCO world heritage site. You can reach the church by climbing the stairs, driving to the top, or by riding by a vertical tram. The tram was an engineering marvel of the 19th century. It’s hydro-powered system hoisted visitors almost 1000 ft in about 3 minutes, and is still operating today.
“Travel makes you modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
~ Gustave Flaubert
Then spend some time in the old town visiting several sites including the Praca da Republica, which is the city’s main square, the Santa Barbara gardens, and the Braga Cathedral.
The main plaza of Braga won’t disappoint you with shops, cafes and restaurants, green space, and a fountain. Great for grabbing a drink, a bite to eat, or just for people watching.
The Santa Barbara formal garden sits alongside the Archbishop’s castle in Braga. A great spot to relax among the flowers and greenery-filled seasonal color with a backdrop of some gothic arches.
One of the most important buildings in Portugal, the Braga Cathedral is a national monumen and is the seat of the Archdiocese of Braga. Originally built in the 12th century, it has undergone many updates throughout the years and is now a combination of Gothic, Baroque, Moorish, and Romanesque architectural styles.
A trip to Braga makes for a relaxing day experiencing a portion of Portugal’s rich culture and historical significance. Combined with visits to the surrounding small towns and villages, a day-trip to Braga is a great way to relax and see the sights.
