Tourism in Braga Portugal what to visit

Portugal de Norte a Sul

Tourism in Braga Portugal what to visit

With over 2000 years of rich history , Braga is a city of enormous beauty and rich heritage, combining tradition with innovation, memory with youth and creativity with conservatism.

Braga has always assumed a strategic and central regional role, from Bracara Augusta to the present, thanks to its privileged geographical location and its dynamism. It plays a leading role in the regions economy, culture, knowledge and technology and this centrality and relevance provides its inhabitants with an excellent quality of life in various sectors.

The history of the city is deeply linked to the Roman Catholic religion, being known as the Portuguese Rome or the city of the archbishops because of the faith of its people, the number of religious manifestations and the number of churches and shrines scattered throughout the city and its outskirts territory. Braga Cathedral, due to its long history and artistic significance, is one of the most important buildings in the country.

Braga presents places that, due to their devotion and intrinsic beauty, impose themselves as reference points to visit. Mandatory reference to the European Baroque, which also highlights the very evolution of Bragas art, the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary is considered one of the biggest tourist-religious highlights of the city and also of the Braga region.

Braga also has other types of events that attract tourists, be it mixing the religious with the profane (such as St. Johns Feast) or simply popular (as in "Braga Romana" - a kind of return to the past or updating the history, remembering the period in which the city lived under Roman occupation and its importance at that time).

The city is also the scene of the largest White Night in Europe . For 48 hours, you can listen to great shows, explore art installations and see innovative performances.

Visiting Braga is like taking a trip back in time within modernity . The old town and traditional religiosity - always imposing its wealth and majesty - coexist with the entrepreneurial and youthful spirit shown in vital areas such as culture, commerce, gastronomy, industry and services.

Best Things to Do in Braga

Bragas Cathedral

Braga Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in the country, which originated a popular saying in Portugal: "Older than Braga Cathedral. Construction began before Portugal was a nation, which explains why the whole city grew around the city. With various architectural styles visible on its facades and walls, notably Romanesque and Gothic, with a predominantly baroque interior, over the years the Cathedral has incorporated five chapels, two cloisters, a Galilee, an apse, a headboard and a sacristy.

Braga best things to do - Braga Cathedral

New Gate Arch

Considered one of the biggest symbols of the city, this impressive structure welcomes those coming to Braga. Archbishop D. Diogo de Sousa (responsible for works such as the Arch and the head of the Cathedral) ordered the construction of the Arch in the 16th century (probably in 1512). The concept of the New Gate Arch was considered innovative at the time: since there were no more wars, a door would not be needed. Today, Arch takes visitors to its historical arteries.

Sanctuary of the Good Jesus

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus and its surroundings is the most prominent place in Bragas tourist postcards. Its architectural complex is majestic, with predominantly religious, baroque, rococo and neoclassical architecture. To reach the top, visitors can use the elevator, which is a water-powered funicular, the first built on the Iberian Peninsula, or climb the 500 steps that form the different staircases, and take some time to contemplate the sights of Braga on the way. above.

Arcade

The Arcade is the central point of Braga. It is in this place, designed by Archbishop D. Diogo de Sousa in the Middle Ages, that visitors can feel the true aura of Braga. From 1715, built on the initiative of Archbishop D. Rodrigo de Moura Teles, this Arch consists of eight arches on each side and three arches in the central part, a total of 19 arches. In keeping with its original purpose of socializing and meeting people, this is where two of the citys most famous cafes are located: Café Vianna and Café Astoria.

Santa Barbara Garden

The Santa Barbara Garden is a distinctive public garden with bright colors emanating from its well-kept flowers. This is the ideal getaway for those looking for a quiet space, perfect for reading a book or sharing promises of love. In the middle of the garden, there is a statue of Santa Barbara in a 17th century fountain, which makes this garden one of the most beautiful places in Braga. At the bottom of the garden, the high crenellated stone wall resembles a castle, turning this place into a special beauty.