About this experience
A walk with me is not just historical essays about Braga and its 'thousand churches', but also a complete immersion in local life. You will stop at the most important pages of the 2250-year history of Portuguese Rome, visit the ancient sanctuary of Bom Jesus, discover beautiful panoramas, and taste dishes of local cuisine.
What to expect
Religious center of Portugal Braga, located just 40 minutes drive from Porto, is the capital of the Minho province and the sacred capital of the country - here is the residence of the Archbishop. I will explain why in the early stages of the spread of Christianity in Europe, Braga became the main city of the local diocese, how it influenced the creation of a whole range of religious buildings, and the formation of Braga as the spiritual center of all of Portugal.
'City of a Thousand Churches' On a walk through the streets of the Old Town, I will show its most prominent buildings: you will see the Archbishop's Palace - the reception palace of the Pope and the rectorate of the regional University of Minho. Visit St. Barbara's Park, inspect the municipal building and baroque fountain, the city library, and one of the most outstanding buildings in the city - Raio Palace. And then I will introduce you to the history and architectural styles of the oldest cathedral in Portugal, Se de Braga: Romanesque, Manueline, and Baroque. Along the way, I will draw your attention to how the religious link of Braga combines with youth life, how much the original status of the city is preserved, and how it is reflected in modern society.
Lunch in the Old Town and Bom Jesus Sanctuary We will take a break in the historic center, during which you will be able to taste a traditional lunch. I will tell you about the cuisine of northern Portugal and suggest which dishes you should definitely try before leaving Braga. And then you will head to the famous sanctuary of Bom Jesus, recently included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Known for its endless staircases and Baroque-style details, this complex is not only a religious monument but also a beautiful, romantic, and even mystical place. You will learn about the symbolism of the ancient structure and its allegorical statues, hear about pilgrimage traditions, and appreciate panoramic views of the surroundings.
Organizational details
Additional expenses
- Transport: to Bom Jesus we travel by bus - the price of one trip is 1.55 euros; ride on the funicular - one-way ticket 1.5 euros/person, round trip - 2.5 euros/person
- Entrance to 'Se de Braga' - 2 euros/person, full ticket - 4 euros/person
- Lunch: on average, a set lunch costs up to 7 euros/person (soup, main course, and coffee, in some places they also serve dessert), a cup of coffee and a pastry - up to 2 euros
