Braga, much more than Bom Jesus do Monte, Sé Catedral and the Rome of Portugal

“Why Braga?” was a question I was asked so often when I moved here in 2019. The list of answers is almost endless and as I get to know the city and the region even better, it keeps getting longer.

Travel guides are generally very limited in their explanations of Braga. This means that the city still bears the stamp of ‘hidden gem’, despite the fact that Braga was voted ‘Europe’s Best Destination’ in 2021. Braga is the 3rd largest city in Portugal, after Lisbon and Porto. So there must be something to experience, and I can only confirm that!

Braga stands for a combination of history and dynamics. A combination of beautiful monuments in the historic center of the city and the silence of nature. You will also find more than 280km of marked hiking trails here!

When you say Braga, you first think of Bom Jesus do Monte, the monumental building with the white stairs and the basilica, located on the hill just outside the city and visible from the historic city center. Bom Jesus was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, which has had a positive impact on attracting tourists to Braga.

A few kilometers away, at the highest point of Braga, is Sameiro, another basilica. The view from the stairs is phenomenal and with a bit of luck you can see the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.

Let’s visit the historic city center, which exudes Catholic influence. There are more than 30 churches and chapels in the city alone. The cathedral, Sé de Braga, is the most famous. However, it is somewhat hidden among the historic buildings. You could compare it with the rather closed character that is so characteristic of the North of Portugal.

A walk through the historic part of the city takes you past the Arco de Porta Nova, literally the gateway to the city, the historic town hall, the Public Library, the Jardim de Santa Barbara with the Archbishop’s Palace and Largo do Paço. Hidden between the buildings you can still see old towers in various places, such as the Torre de Menagem, each with their own story.
The Palaçio do Raio and Theatro Circo should certainly not be missed on your walk. You can relax on a terrace at Café Brasileira or in one of the other nice places near the fountain on the Praça da Republica.

You will find beautifully maintained gardens and parks in various places in the city. Some hidden gems that are definitely worth a visit are the garden of the Biscainhos Museum and that of the Nogueira da Silva Museum.

A modern building, but certainly worth a visit, is the brand new market hall, where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruit and fish every day. The building itself is a gem in terms of contemporary architecture.

Braga is also called ‘the baroque city’. This is clearly visible and tangible when you walk through the city center. But the influence of the Middle Ages and the Romanesque era are also still prominent, not least when you take a walk outside the city. Also worth mentioning are the ‘Castro’s’, remains of historical settlements, which can still be visited in various places in the region.

And thus we come to ‘Walking in Braga’. The city has a total area of ​​183.5 km². The center is, as you can say, shaped in a bowl, surrounded by hills. This geographical fact is perfect for taking beautiful walks with phenomenal views!

Once outside the city, you drive half an hour to the coast, where you can find peace and quiet in a walk along the Atlantic Ocean.
If you drive north from Braga, you can reach the Peneda-Gerês National Park in barely an hour. You can also take beautiful walks there, with phenomenal views.

No need to be said that Braga is an ideal destination and base for anyone who wants to combine history, culture, nature and gastronomy in one visit?

Welcome to Braga!