Braga
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BRAGA

Braga’s prime location between the Cávado and Este rivers has made it a key settlement since ancient times. Known for its deep religious roots, Braga has long been a hub for religious artefacts like carvings, church organs, bell casting, candles, candlesticks, and intricately embroidered vestments. Even today, Braga remains a major religious centre, earning it the nickname "Portugal's Rome." As you explore, you’ll find yourself just steps away from a church, seminary, or religious souvenir shop at almost every turn.

In recent years, Braga has grown into a bustling industrial town and now stands as the largest city north of Porto. Modern factories producing cars, electrical goods, leather items, and textiles have popped up in the city’s outskirts. But don’t let the industrial growth fool you—Braga’s Old Town retains its historic charm, offering plenty to enchant visitors.

Wander through medieval streets lined with grand mansions, discover the remains of a castle keep, and take in the beauty of ornate fountains and palaces. With its delightful blend of old and new, Braga offers a unique experience where history and modernity coexist. Whether you're enjoying a meal at a cosy café or visiting one of the many churches, Braga is a city that beautifully balances its rich past with a vibrant present.

BRAGA CATHEDRAL (SÉ)

Braga Cathedral (Sé)

|  Braga Cathedral (Sé)


Treasure Museum

|  Treasure Museum

The Cathedral in Braga (Sé de Braga) pre-dates Portugal itself by a few decades, It was consecrated and dedicated to the Virgin Mary by Bishop Pedro in a solemn session on August 28, 1089. It rivalled the great cathedral in Santiago de Compostela for prominence in Galicia and it is rumoured to have originally housed the holy remains of St. James. Although within its walls there's a trove of over a millennium's worth of treasures to be found. Where it stands was once the site of a Roman temple. The imposing west facade built in the Romanesque style is capped by two bell towers flanking a larger-than-life statue of the Virgin. Other original Romanesque features can be found in the Porta do Sol door, the floor plan with an ambulatory, the main portico and the apse of the cloister of Santo Amaro. The Gothic-styled entrance porch was added later in the 15th Century.

The interior's highlights include an impressive 14th-century statue of the Virgin Mary found in the apse topped by a richly painted baldachin. Near the entrance is a beautifully decorated high choir with a painted ceiling and sculptured giltwood choir stalls created in a Neo-Gothic style around 1737 by Miguel Francisco da Silva. D. Henrique and D. Teresa, parents of the first king of Portugal, are buried in the Chapel of Kings.

Treasure-Museum

Located within the old House of Cabido (Casa do Cabido) the newly renovated Treasure Museum hosts the most significant pieces of history of Portugal. Items such as the 6th century Paleo-Christian grave, an Ivory Safe (1004-1008), and the Goblet (Cálice) and Paten of S. Geraldo (Patena de S. Geraldo) (11th century) pre-date Portugal as a sovereign nation. Other items of interest include a sculpture of the Virgin of Leite (1515), the Portable Organ (1685) and the Miter and Gloves of Archbishop D. Gonçalo Pereira (1326-1348).

There's a permanent exhibition called “Roots of Eternity. Jesus Christ – A Church”, dedicated to sacred art and religious artefacts highlighting the life of Christ and the History of the Church in Braga.

Summer: Daily: 09h30 – 12h30/14h30 - 18h30, Winter: Daily: Daily: 09h30 – 12h30/14h30 - 17h30
Adult: Cathedral €2.00, Treasure Museum €3.00, Combined €4.00. Concessionary: 50% Discount
Rua Dom Paio Mendes, 4700-424, Braga, Portugal.
41° 32' 58.9" N | 08° 25' 42.2" W | +351 253 263 317
info@se-braga.pt |  Website

CAPELA DOS COIMBRAS ENTRANCE TICKET

Welcome to the Capela dos Coimbras, the oldest private chapel in Braga, Portugal, and a must-see gem in the city's historic centre. Classified as a National Monument, this enchanting chapel is rich in patrimonial and artistic value, making it an essential stop on any Braga itinerary.

The Coimbras Chapel isn't just about history—it's also a place to relax and enjoy the present. After exploring the stunning architecture, step into the chapel's beautiful garden with its charming esplanade, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment of reflection. Feeling peckish? Head to the Café-Museum, where you can savour a light meal while soaking in the unique ambience of this historic site.

Opening Times
Sunday - Wednesday: 09h30 – 23h00, Thursday: 09h30 – 18h00, Friday & Saturday: 09h30 – 00h00

Capela dos Coimbras

With this entrance ticket, you can gain entry to Capela dos Coimbras at your leisure. Buy online before you arrive to avoid queues and have the convenience of the e-ticket on your phone.

23 Largo de Santa Cruz, 4700-308, Braga, Portugal.
41° 32' 59.2" N | 08° 25' 27.7" W

ABOUT TOWN

Arco da Porta Nova

The gate which stands just south of the Palácio dos Biscainhos is an 18th-century reconstruction of the 16th-century original. It formed part of Braga's old defensive walls and served as the western entrance to the city. The reconstruction was designed by André Soares to include the extension of Rococo decoration and was carried out in c1772. If walking from the train station into the centre of Braga the Arco da Porta Nova gate still feels like an impressive way to enter the city. 41° 33′ 0.9″ N | 08° 25′ 45.5″ W


Fonte do Idolo

The Idol Fountain is a national monument dating back to the first century BC located in the Rua do Raio, in the central area of the city. Carved with inscriptions and figures sculpted on a natural granite outcrop. An inscription certifies that Célico Fronto, a native of Arcóbriga, ordered its construction, a carved figure dressed in a toga carved could be his representation. The fountain is dedicated to the Castro god Tongoenabiago, this could be an indication the fountain was once part of a temple. 41° 32' 55" N | 08° 25' 18" W


Praça da República

The central hub of Braga is the large Praça da República square, also called “Arcada” after the 18th-century arcaded building on the west side of the square. It's where you'll find the tourist office and many eateries and cafés to relax and absorb the atmosphere. The Vianna takes centre stage, the spray from which offers refreshing relief from the midday heat. Halfway along the square is the imposing Baroque façade of the 18th-century Congregados Basilica with its two bell towers shaping the skyline. Its somewhat austere exterior deceptively hides a more elaborate interior. Poking over the rooftops on the northeastern side is the Torre de Menagem, the keep and only remaining element of Braga's castle. Construction of Braga's castle began in the 14th century yet sadly its stones were quarried and reused in newer buildings.
41° 33' 04.7" N | 08° 25' 23" W

Arco da Porta Nova

|  Arco da Porta Nova


Praça da República

|  Praça da República

WHAT TO DO

Palácio do Raio

Palácio do Raio

The Palácio do Raio, or Casa do Mexicanowas built between 1754 - 55, and was commissioned by João Duarte de Faria, an influential merchant in Braga. The project, that was designed by the architect André Soares, is one of Braga's most remarkable examples of civil architecture, in the baroque style of King João I. Nowadays, it belongs to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Braga and has been classified as a Building of Public Interest since 1956.

The palace was restored in 2015 and is now a complete Interpretive Centre that, along with ten rooms, shows the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Braga’s (Holy House of Mercy) collection – over 500 years of history in a single building.

Tuesday - Saturday: 10h00 – 13h00/14h30 – 18h30
FREE
Rua do Raio, 4700-920, Braga, Portugal.
41° 32' 54.1" N | 08° 25' 21.7" W | +351 253 206 520

Casa dos Biscainhos Museum

Casa dos Biscainhos Museum

Originating from the early 17th century, this impressive building was once the home of the counts of Bertiandos. In 1978 it was converted into a museum and now houses a museum exhibiting articles and diversions of the nobility of the 18th century. The Palace, the baroque gardens and their collections reveal the daily life of the 17th-century nobility and the other inhabitants of the space: chaplains, servants and slaves. The gardens follow the Italian fashion popular at that time and incorporate raised alcove seats and flowerbeds. There can also be found a winter house and a hedge framed fountain.

Tuesday - Sunday: 09h30 - 12h45/14h00 - 17h30
Adult €2.00, Conssesionary €1.00
Rua dos Biscaínhos 4700-415 Braga, Portugal.
41° 33' 04.5" N | 08° 25' 46.2" W
+351 253 204 650
mbiscainhos@culturanorte.gov.pt |  Website

Teatro Circo de Braga (Theatre)

Teatro Circo de Braga (Theatre)

The Theatre Circo is a 20th-century, Portuguese revivalist theatre, in the civil parish of São João do Souto. Designed by the architect João de Moura Coutinho, it was first inaugurated on 21 April 1915 with a performance of Ruggero Leoncavallo's operetta La reginetta delle rose. Following a storied history that included the first talking films, operas and public performances, the building was restored by the municipal council of Braga and reopened in 2006.

Av. da Liberdade 697, 4710-251, Braga, Portugal.
41° 33' 00.8" N | 08° 25' 20.4" W
+351 253 203 800
theatrocirco@theatrocirco.com |  Website

BOM JESÚS DO MONTE

Bom Jesús do Monte

|  Bom Jesús do Monte


Bom Jesús do Monte

|  Bom Jesús do Monte – Baroque Staircase


Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro

|  Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro

The sanctuary of Bom Jesús do Monte is located on top of the hill in Tenões overlooking the city of Braga. The lower portion of the church was commissioned by the Archbishop of Braga in 1723 and 60 years later the upper portion was completed by the Portuguese architect and engineer Carlos Amarante. The current church was one of the first in Portugal to be built in the Neoclassical style and sits on the site of a 15th-century sanctuary and even older 14th-century chapel. Most likely the religious significance of this site dates back to pre-Christian times as hilltops were places of homage for Celtic cultures.

Inside small chapels line the sanctuary which represents the stations of the cross culminating at the altar where the Crucifixion scene is depicted. The site is surrounded by magnificent gardens, containing a small gazebo, boating lake and a small grotto. The café is an ideal spot to take five and just absorb the breathtaking views. The site is popular with tourists and pilgrims alike, although the site doesn't represent any particular miraculous event thousands of faithful ascend to this site on Whitsunday.
FREE
High Season: Daily 09h00 - 20h00, Low Season: Daily 09h00 - 19h00
Estrada do Bom Jesus, 4715-056 Tenões, Portugal. | 41° 32' 36.9" N | 08° 22' 36.1" W

The Baroque Staircase

Construction of stairway began in 1723 after it was deemed that pilgrims deserved better than accenting the hill by dirt paths. The Baroque staircase zigzags its way up the wooded hillside in 17 flights of stairs made of 581 steps apiece. Climbing up the first part of the stairway the white paltered walls are embellished with fountains decorated with allegorical phrases and sculptures of Kings and prophets. Each of the five fountains represents the senses; Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste and Touch.

As one journey higher up the staircase the fountains remind us of the three virtues; Faith, Hope and Charity, also pious biblical figures carved from granite and then finally as you reach the top the Pelican fountain. Curiously you're equally likely to encounter mountain bikers racing down the steps as penitent pilgrims ascending the steps on their knees.

Elevador do Bom Jesus do Monte

Another way to get to the top is by the oldest water-powered funicular on the Iberian Peninsula, built-in 19th century by Niklaus Riggenbach. The funicular track is 274 metres long and descends 116 metres, giving an average gradient of around 42% and the journey time is about four minutes.
€1.30 Single, €2.50 Return
High Season: Daily 09h00 - 20h00, Low Season: Daily 09h00 - 19h00
Confraria do Bom Jesus, 4715-056 Braga, Portugal. | 41° 33' 16.3" N | 08° 22' 44.9" W

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro

Not far from Bom Jesus do Monte, is another hilltop sanctuary, perched on an elevation of 556 metres (1824ft) above sea level is less visited than its more famous neighbour. It is relatively new dating from the 1860s however it's an important place of pilgrimage for devotees of the Virgin Mary. For the non-religious, the efforts of reaching this spot are rewarded by the excellent view of the surrounding countryside and Braga in the distance.
44 Av. Nossa Senhora do Sameiro, 4715-616 Braga, Portugal. | 41° 32′ 30.6″ N | 8° 22′ 11.4″ W

ROMAN BRAGA

Following the conquest of Gallaecia (the Minho and Galicia), the Romans chose this spot as the centre of administration. Five Roman roads converge on the town known then as Bracara Augusta which soon became an important centre for trade and industry. Ancient artefacts such as glass, ceramics amongst others have been excavated in the area originating from all over the Roman Empire such as Egypt, Germania and Greece.



Roman Thermae of Maximinus

The remains of Braga's Roman baths and theatre can be found not far from the centre of today's Braga. This archaeological site, although still being excavated, is open to the public. Built in the second century AD the bath/theatre complex drew visitors from miles around and was a proud symbol of Braga's status as the provincial capital. By the fifth century AD, the site had fallen into disuse, the structure was torn down and its stones reused for the building of a newer city close by.
Tuesday – Friday: 09h00 - 13h00/14h00 - 18h00, Weekends: 10h00 - 17h00
€1.85 (€3.10 combined with the Fountain of the Idol).

Diogo de Sousa Museum Archaeological Museum

Many of the finds unearthed at the Roman Thermae of Maximinus are on display in a permanent exhibition at the Diogo de Sousa Archaeological Museum. Items such as ceramics, metal, glass and milestones are explained and is an interesting insight into Romano/Paleo Christian period.
Low Season Daily: 09h00 - 17h30, Weekends: 09h00 - 18h00 | €3.00
Rua dos Bombeiros Voluntários, 4700-025, Braga, Portugal. | 41° 32′ 46.7″ N, 8° 25′ 38.9″ W | Website

Braga Romana Festival

Braga's Roman heritage is celebrated each May during a six-day festival which takes over the whole city and it is well worth planning a trip to Braga whilst it's on. Every square, street and alleyway is given over to filled with stalls selling all manner of handicrafts, gifts, beverages and food. A full agenda of concerts, performances and activities are held free of charge as Roman centurions patrol the streets and locals wear togas. Website

Roman Thermae of Maximinus

|  Roman Thermae of Maximinus


Braga Romana Festival

|  Braga Romana Festival"

TOP TOURS

Guimarães, Braga & Barcelos Tour

Guimarães, Braga & Barcelos Tour

Discover three of northern Portugal’s historic cities on this full-day tour to Barcelos, Braga, and Guimarães. See where Portugal’s national symbol, the rooster, originated in Barcelos, visit the country’s oldest cathedral in Braga, and visit the birthplace of Portugal in Guimarães. Listen to informative commentary from your guide about the history of the cities and Portugal as you stroll around each location. Explore Barcelos, Braga, and Guimarães on this full-day tour from Porto. Visit important landmarks like the Guimarães Castle and the Palace of Dukes. Enjoy a personalised experience with a small group of eight guests or less.

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Braga and Guimarães - Private Tour

Braga and Guimarães - Private Tour

Make the most of your vacation time in northern Portugal, and book a day trip with a private guide to visit Braga and Guimarães. Perfect for a group of family or friends, the day trip includes private transport to shuttle you around the towns, leaving you with more time to focus on Braga’s history and Guimarães UNESCO-listed historic centre. Note that entrance fees are paid at your own expense. Focus on the history and culture of Braga that interest you most. Travel to Braga and Guimarães in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Hotel pickup and drop-off service.


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Braga Walking Tour & Private Transfer to Bom Jesus

Braga Walking Tour & Private Transfer to Bom Jesus

Delve into the heart of ancient Braga on this half-day guided city walking tour. This tour shows you insights into Portugal’s oldest city and its ancient Christian roots. With more than two millennia of history, you will gain knowledge of the fascinating culture and heritage that makes this city unique. By the end of the tour, you will understand how history and religion sculpted Braga’s past and present.



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ARCHBISHOP'S PALACE

Opposite the cathedral lies the former Archbishop's Palace, originating from the 14th century and enlarged in the 17th, this fortified palace now houses the municipal library and remains one of the finest in Portugal. With over 300,000 volumes and over 10,000 valuable manuscripts acquired from 20 different convents and which works date back to the 9th century.

The open courtyard found in front of the palace, the Largo do Paço dates back to the 18th century and contains an unusual castellated fountain believed to be commissioned in 1723 by Dom Rodrigo de Moura. The Santa Barbara Gardens which were tastefully landscaped in 1955 make for a peaceful leisurely stroll. The gardens incorporate the remains of the medieval arcade of the palace.

Largo do Paço, 4704-553, Braga, Portugal.
41° 33′ 05.1″ N | 08° 25′ 33.2″ W

Archbishop's Palace

|  Archbishop's Palace

CITÂNIA DE BRITEIROS

Citãnia de Briteiros

|  Citãnia de Briteiros


Citãnia de Briteiros
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On the side of the Monte de São Romão hill, laying guard over the Ave river valley, in-between Braga and Guimarães, spanning 24 hectares (of which only seven have been excavated), lies the fascinating ruins of Citãnia de Briteiros. Successive cultures dating back to the bronze age have taken advantage of this strategic spot. The slight elevation of the site and moderate climate brought bountiful treasures from the land in the way of farming, fishing and forest fruits.

Although little survives from its earliest inhabitants some rock art engravings have been found in this area dating back from the first millennium BC. Most of what remains at the site are attributed to the people of the Castro culture who from the end of the Bronze Age (c. 9th century BC) until it was subsumed in local Roman culture occupied northern Portugal and Galicia. The most notable characteristics of this culture are, first, its walled oppida and hill forts, known locally as Castros, from Latin castrum "castle", and second, the absence of visible burial practices, despite the frequent depositions of precious items and goods, swords and other metallic riches in rocky outcrops, rivers and other aquatic contexts.

From the 2nd century BC, some of the hill-forts turned into semi-urban fortified towns the remains of which are locally known as cidades, (cities) with populations reaching up to a thousand inhabitants. Such urban centres were hubs of industry and trade, manufacturing including pottery, stone masonry, metalworking and tool making. Pottery from the early Iron Age has been found at Citånia de Briteiros, the period after the settlement had been fortified with a system of ramparts and moats suggesting a need to protect its wealth.

Much of what is known about the site is due to the work of the acclaimed Portuguese archaeologist Francisco Martins Sarmento who started annual excavation campaigns in 1874 in which one such campaign led to the discovery of the acropolis, the highest portion of the settlement, the site was named a national monument in 1910. It is thanks to Sarmento that the visitor can have an insight into how life must have been during the site heyday, whilst walking along the original streets you'll encounter two reconstructed huts complete with straw roofs, remains of a bathhouse, and the ruins of the defensive wall and a visitor centre with exhibits of excavated finds.

Getting There
PR2 Footpath starts atthe foot of the hill in São Salvador.
Arriva bus 173 (Guimaraes - Taipas - St. Leocadia). Alight at Igreja de São Salvador de Briteiros, duration 45 minutes. Timetable
14 km (8.5 miles) North of Guimarães on the N309
More Information
€3.00
High Season: Daily 09h00 - 18h00, Low Season: Daily 09h00 - 17h00
Monte de São Romão, Briteiros São Salvador, Guimarães, Portugal. | 41° 31' 35" N | 08° 18' 55" W

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OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

Residencial Centro Comercial Avenida Bragashopping

Residencial Centro Comercial Avenida Bragashopping

A centrally situated guest-house within Bragashopping and surrounded by some of the most well known monuments, gardens and museums.

Avenida Central,27 a 37, Bloco Traseiras, 4710 - 228, Braga, Portugal.
41° 33' 12.6" N | 08° 25' 16.2" W | +351 253 275 722

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Hotel Bracara Augusta

Hotel Bracara Augusta ★ ★ ★ ★

Located in Braga's historical centre, set in a renovated 14th century building, rooms feature stone walls and hardwood floors. Each room and suite has modern furnishings and includes air conditioning, a TV and a private bathroom. Restaurant Centurium features vaulted ceilings and offers a variety of freshly prepared international and Portuguese cuisine. The Bracara Augusta Hotel also has a bar that serves refreshing beverages.

Avenida Central 134, 4710-229, Braga. Portugal.
41° 33' 04.7" N | 08° 25' 11.4" W | +351 253 616 363 | geral@bracaraaugusta.com

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Art'otel Barcelos

Golden Tulip Braga Hotel & Spa - Falperra ★ ★ ★ ★

Located in a restored 18th-century convent in the green hills three miles from Braga, Golden Tulip Braga offers indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and tennis court.

Leisure facilities at Golden Tulip Braga Hotel & Spa - Falperra includes a snooker table, board games, bike rental and sports courts for tennis and paintball. Guests have access to the hot tub and sauna. For complete relaxation, a rejuvenating body treatment is available.

Golden Tulip Braga Hotel & Spa - Falperra offers a buffet-style breakfast each morning. The hotel’s "Do Convento" restaurant offers à la carte service inspired by the tasty local and international cuisine. Meals can be enjoyed with panoramic views over the gardens, pool and valley that surround the Hotel. Free private parking is available on site.

Via Falperra, 4700-407, Braga, Portugal.
41° 31' 14.2" N | 08° 23' 21.6" W | +351 253 240 700

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OUR CHOICE

Tabuas, Copos & Outras Cenas

Tabuas, Copos & Outras Cenas

Ideally located within the centre of Braga this small family run restaurant offers the most innovative food in Braga. Offering tantalising beautifully presented tapas (petiscos) with a large selection of wines to suit. There are vegetarian options available. The staff are very warm and attentive who care greatly for your dinning satisfaction. For the quality of food you would expect to pay much more than they charge. As you can imagine Tabuas is very popular so pre-booking is advised if not essential.

Tuesday - Thursday: 18h30 - 22h30, Friday: 18h30 - 23h00, Saturday: 12h30 - 15h00/18h30 - 23h30, Sunday: CLOSED
54 Rua D. Gonçalo Pereira, 4700-032 Braga, Portugal. | 41° 32' 55.9" N | 08° 25' 36.8" W
+351 936 706 108 |  Facebook


Restaurante Abadia D'Este

Restaurante Abadia D'Este

Situated on a farm three miles from the city centre, idyllic location with great views.

Tuesday - Saturday: 12h00 - 15h00/19h00 - 22h00, Sunday: 12h00 - 15h00, Monday: CLOSED
Rua da Igreja, 16 - S. Pedro d'Este, 4715-434 Braga. Portugal.
41° 34' 10.5" N | 08° 20' 55.9" W
+351 253 675 112
abadiadeste@sapo.pt | Website


Retrokitchen

Retrokitchen

Small, welcoming and somewhat quirky this restaurant is a lot of fun. The owners certainly have a lot of passion for what they do which is evident straight away by their warm welcome. Their menu is limited and changes with the seasons yet always very well prepared and presented. The portions here are just as generous as the welcome. The retro theme of the decor is continued by the staff with their fashion. The wine is just as local as the ingredients. Neither of which will break the bank. All in all Retrokitchen offers a host memorable experience.

Monday - Saturday: 12h00 - 14h30/20h00 - 22h30, Sunday: CLOSED
96 Rua do Anjo, Braga 4700-305 Portugal.
41º 32" 54.6' N | 08º 25" 30.8' W
+351 253 267 023 |  Facebook

Braga is 33.5 miles (54km) North of Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport PORTO.
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From Porto take the A3 north.

Latitude - 41' 32' 39" N Longitude - 08° 25'' 19" W


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Regular trains from Porto, use the urban train service (comboios urbanos) Linha do Braga. (55mins): Train Timetable | Comboios de Portugal Website

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