One of Portugal’s oldest cities, Braga was also an ancient seat of religious power with an archdiocese dating from the 4th century. The cathedral is a must, as are several of the old churches, chapels and monasteries in the area.
There’s also the lofty Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary that you can reach via a splendid Baroque stairway with allegorical sculpture. Or if you don’t need the excersice, you can take the 19th century funicular. Don’t miss the imposing old villas around the city, decked out with azulejos and taking you back to aristocratic life in Braga in days gone by.
Lets explore the best things to do in Braga:
- Bom Jesus do Monte – 14 century pilgrimage site
- Funicular – if you can’t climb the steps or don’t want to, just take the funicular up to Bom Jesus
- Braga Cathedral – featuring Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance and Baroque decoration
- Praça da Republica – a lovely square where you can find shade and a cool drink
- Garden of Santa Barbara – a formal garden with geometric lines and colorful flowers
- Biscainhos Museum – dedicated to showing how Portugal’s nobility lived during the 17th and 18th centuries
- Festa de Sao Joao – June 23rd, the city is festooned with decorations. Bands make the round, keeping things lively. Local will throw cloves of garlic around.
