Braga is a city in northwest Portugal that is known for its rich history, cultural significance, and beautiful architecture. Located in the Minho region, it is the oldest archdiocese in the country and has played a central role in the religious and cultural life of Portugal for centuries. The city is home to a number of landmarks and attractions, including the Bom Jesus do Monte, a famous sanctuary and pilgrimage site that is located just outside the city. Braga is also known for its vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and friendly locals, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Braga is known as the city of the rooster?
A Galician man showed up one day and aroused suspicion. The police opted to detain him, and despite his sworn declarations of innocence, no one was persuaded by his claims that he was a devout follower of Saints James, Paul, and Our Lady and that he was traveling to Santiago de Compostela to fulfill a commitment. So, he was given a hanging sentence. He requested to be taken before the judge who had sentenced him before being hung. When permission was given, he was brought to the magistrate’s house, where he was joined by several friends at a feast.
To the shock of all in attendance, the Galician declared his innocence once more and pointed to a roasted rooster on the table, saying, “I am as sure to be innocent as that rooster is sure to crow when they hang me.” No one expected laughter or comments, but just in case, no one touched the rooster.
What first appeared impossible became true! The rooster perched himself on the table and crowd as the pilgrim was being hung. Nobody any longer questioned the convicted man’s assertions of innocence. The judge hurried to the gallows where he was shocked to see the unfortunate guy hanging there with a rope around his neck. But he couldn’t be choked because the noose was too tight. But he couldn’t be choked because the noose was too tight. He was freed right away and sent out in peace. After a while, he went back to Barcelos and built a memorial to St. James and the Virgin Mary.
1. Visit the Bom Jesus do Monte
Bom Jesus do Monte is a sanctuary and pilgrimage site located just outside the city of Braga in northwest Portugal. It is known for its beautiful baroque church, gardens, and a network of winding staircases that lead up to the church. The site is a popular tourist attraction and is considered one of the most important religious landmarks in Portugal.
The sanctuary is built on the side of a hill and is accessed by a series of staircases that are decorated with chapels and fountains. The main attraction at the top of the hill is the Church of Bom Jesus, which was built in the 18th century in the baroque style. The church is surrounded by lush gardens and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
In addition to the church, the sanctuary also includes a number of other buildings and attractions, such as the Holy House, a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and the Fountain of the Five Ports, which is believed to have medicinal properties. The sanctuary is also home to a number of religious artifacts and artworks, including an 18th-century organ and a collection of baroque paintings.
Bom Jesus do Monte is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike and is considered an important cultural and religious site in Portugal.
2. Explore the Old Town
The Old Town of Braga is a historic area located in the center of the city that is known for its beautiful architecture, cultural significance, and vibrant atmosphere. One of the main landmarks in the Old Town is the Cathedral of Braga, which is the oldest in the country and dates back to the 11th century. The cathedral is a prime example of Romanesque architecture and features a number of beautiful chapels and works of art.
Other notable landmarks in the Old Town include the Paço dos Duques de Bragança, a 16th-century palace that is now home to the Braga Municipal Museum, and the Sé Nova, a beautiful 18th-century church. The Old Town is also home to a number of charming squares and streets, such as the Largo da Porta Nova and the Rua da República, which are lined with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
In addition to its landmarks, the Old Town is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with a number of festivals and events taking place throughout the year. These include the Braga Street Art Festival, which features a variety of street performances and art installations, and the Braga Music Festival, which hosts a range of classical, jazz, and world music concerts. Overall, the Old Town of Braga is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Portugal.
3. Visit the Braga Municipal Stadium
Estádio Municipal de Braga, also known as the Braga Municipal Stadium, is a football stadium located in Braga, Portugal. It was built in 2003 and is the home ground of the S.C. Braga football team. The stadium has a capacity of 30,154 and is known for its modern design and facilities. It is located in the north of the city, near the Parque da Ponte neighborhood.
The Braga Municipal Stadium has played host to a number of high-profile football matches, including matches in the UEFA Cup, the UEFA Europa League, and the UEFA European Championship. It has also been used for concerts and other sporting events. The stadium is equipped with VIP areas, a press box, and a number of food and beverage options for guests.
In addition to hosting sporting events, the Braga Municipal Stadium offers guided tours for visitors. These tours allow visitors to explore the stadium and learn more about the history and facilities of the venue. The tours typically last around 45 minutes and are available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
4. Try an Explorial trail around Braga
Try this Explorial trail in Braga, which allows you to see the main attractions of the city:
Take your time when playing Explorial, we’re pretty sure this will give you some appetite to eat some of the things we’ll be showing you right away.
5. Visit the Braga Art Museum
The Braga Art Museum is a museum located in Braga, Portugal that is dedicated to showcasing Portuguese art from the 15th to the 20th centuries. The museum’s collection includes a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and graphic arts.
Some of the notable artists represented in the museum’s collection include Almada Negreiros, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, and Antonio Carneiro. In addition to its permanent collection, the Braga Art Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year.
The museum is housed in the Palácio do Raio, a beautiful 18th-century building that was once the residence of the Counts of Prado. The museum’s permanent collection is spread out over three floors of the building, with each floor focusing on a different period of Portuguese art.
The Braga Art Museum is a popular attraction for both tourists and locals, and it is an important cultural institution in the city. It is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is free.
6. Take a walk through the Jardim da Cordoaria
Jardim da Cordoaria is a public garden located in the center of Braga, Portugal. The garden was created in the 18th century and features a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as a number of sculptures and fountains. The garden is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the outdoors, and it is often used as a venue for cultural events and festivals.
The garden is divided into two main sections: the upper garden and the lower garden. The upper garden is home to a number of sculptures and decorative elements, such as the Fountain of the Shells and the Monument to the Heroes of the Peninsular War. The lower garden is more natural in appearance, with winding paths and a variety of trees and plants.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Jardim da Cordoaria is also home to a number of cultural attractions, such as the Cordoaria Nacional (a former rope factory that has been converted into an arts center) and the Braga Art Museum. The garden is a popular spot for locals and tourists to take a leisurely stroll, relax on a bench, or enjoy a picnic on a sunny day.
7. Attend a cultural event
Braga is a city in northwest Portugal that has a rich cultural heritage and hosts a number of events throughout the year. Some popular cultural events in Braga include:
- Braga Street Art Festival: This annual festival takes place in June and features a variety of street performances, including music, dance, and theater.
- Braga Music Festival: This annual festival, which takes place in July and August, features classical music concerts by both Portuguese and international artists.
- Festa de São João: This celebration, which takes place on the night of June 23rd, is one of the most popular festivals in Braga. It involves bonfires, fireworks, and traditional music and dancing.
- Festa das Latas: This annual festival, which takes place in July, is a celebration of Braga’s student population. It features music, food, and a parade of floats.
- Braga Film Festival: This annual film festival, which takes place in November, showcases a variety of national and international films.
- Natal de Braga: This Christmas celebration features a number of events, including a Christmas market, a parade, and a nativity scene exhibit.
In addition to these events, Braga also hosts a number of other cultural events throughout the year, such as art exhibitions, theater performances, and sporting events. There is always something going on in the city, making it an exciting destination for visitors.
8. Sample local cuisine
Braga is a city known for its rich and diverse culinary traditions. Some popular dishes and ingredients in Braga’s traditional cuisine include:
- Cod: Cod is a staple of Portuguese cuisine and is often prepared in a variety of ways, including as bacalhau à brás (shredded cod with potatoes, onions, and eggs) or bacalhau com natas (cod with cream sauce).
- Pork: Pork is widely used in Portuguese cooking, and dishes such as leitão (roast suckling pig) and cozido à portuguesa (a traditional stew made with various meats and vegetables) are popular in Braga.
- Bread: Portuguese bread, or pão, is often served with meals and is used in dishes such as the famous Francesinha sandwich, which originates from Porto but is also popular in Braga.
- Cheese: Portugal is known for its variety of cheeses, and some popular types from the Minho region include queijo de Azeitão (a soft, creamy cheese made from sheep’s milk) and queijo de cabra (goat cheese).
- Wine: The Minho region is known for its production of vinho verde, a light and refreshing white wine.
Other traditional dishes from Braga include arroz de cabidela (chicken rice with blood), feijoada à transmontana (a hearty bean and meat stew), and caldo verde (a kale and potato soup).
10 Restaurants to eat Portuguese Traditional Cuisine & Barbecue:
1. Steakhouse Churrasqueira Nacional
2. pPlaceR – Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
3. Tasquinha do Fujacal
4. Kartilho
5. Sao Frutuoso
6. Taberna do LEBRE
7. Tasca do Carregal
8. Azeite & Alho
9. Ai o alho – Wine and Snacks
10. Taberna Belga
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