About
Braga is a historic city in northern Portugal, in the district that bears its name. It is often called the religious capital of the country, and visitors come for its long religious character as much as for its streets and squares. The city is one of Portugal's oldest, with Roman origins that it carried under the name Bracara Augusta.
What draws visitors
- Bom Jesus do Monte, the sanctuary on the hill above the city, is the city's best-known landmark. It is a place of pilgrimage and a fine place to look over the surrounding countryside.
- The old town, with its historic centre, offers the chance to walk through a city that has been settled for a very long time.
- Its Roman past, reflected in the name Bracara Augusta, gives the city a sense of depth that visitors interested in history will appreciate.
Planning a visit
Braga suits a slower visit. Allow time to walk the old streets, to climb toward the sanctuary, and to sit for a while in one of the squares. Because the city is set in northern Portugal, it also makes a convenient base for exploring the wider region of Minho, where the landscape and smaller towns offer a change of pace from the city.
If you are drawn to religious heritage, historic towns, or a quieter corner of Portugal, Braga is worth including in your plans. Check current arrangements for the sanctuary and any sites you wish to see before you travel.