BRAGA GUIDE: WHAT TO VISIT, DO, WHERE TO EAT AND SLEEP

TWO THOUSAND YEARS OF HISTORY MINGLE HERE IN A PERFECT MIXTURE BETWEEN THE ANTIQUE AND THE MODERN, BETWEEN THE SACRED AND THE PROFANE; BRAGA WILL ALWAYS BE A REQUIRED STOP WHEN VISITING THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL.

Bom Jesus do Monte

It’s the oldest Portuguese town, and one of Christianity’s oldest town in the world. Founded by the Romans in 16 BC, it was named Bracara Augusta. It has a vast built-up, cultural patrimony, rich in monuments, churches and museums, including ruins from the Roman era. It lives intensively its traditions and costumes, celebrating with enthusiasm most of the liturgical festivities, particularly St. John’s Day and the Holy Easter Week, that attract many tourists. Although it’s commonly presented as a religious destination, it’s also a modern, cosmopolitan and young city, with a vibrant college and student life, where creativity and innovation play a leading role. For all this, it’s no wonder that it was named as best European Touristic Destination for 2021.

Arco da Porta Nova

Theatro Circo

Considered as Minho’s central point, the district’s capital enjoys multiple touristic attractions. Aside from its extremely rich monument assemblage – as is the case with the Bom Jesus do Monte and its immense stairway, in neoclassic style and a UNESCO World Heritage site, or Braga’s medieval Cathedral, the oldest Portuguese Cathedral –  you can lose yourself in its green areas – walk around the Bom Jesus Natural Park or take a stroll on the Santa Bárbara Garden – or even go for a dip in its freshwater inland beaches. Once you open up an appetite, try the region’s gastronomic specialties – where codfish plays a major role – but without forgoing the Abade de Priscos pudding for dessert. And once the night starts, entertainment is guaranteed throughout it.

República Square

Santa Bárbara Garden

A Brasileira