Municipality and City in North Portugal
Photo: vic torvic, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Braga is one of the five largest cities of Portugal, situated in the Minho region in the North of the country. It is known for its abundance of churches and thus called the "city of archbishops". Apart from its rich and long ecclesiastical history and numerous churches, the city also boasts beautiful views from the hills surrounding it, a sizeable old town full of historic buildings and a heritage dating back to Roman times, when it was known as Bracara Augusta.
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An arch of triumph built in 1502 and reconstructed many times over until the 18th century. It proves less than monumental, being nestled between buildings, nevertheless providing for a beautiful photo setting with its rococo decorations. The figure atop the arch is the allegorical representation of the city of Braga, and the city has used the arch's image in many of its marketing and social campaigns.
Sé Catedral de Braga
With a history reaching as far back as 3rd century, the diocese of Braga is one of Europe's oldest, although its existence was interrupted by the fall of the Roman Empire. A string of local religious and civil rulers fought to have it restored and then elevated to archbishopric, while at the same time striving to have a proper seat built. The cathedral was eventually finished in mid-13th century, although the current building is a result of numerous add-ons and reconstructions, blending a number of architectural styles and influences.
Largo da Arcada, Praça da República
One of Braga's main squares.
Tree of Life Chapel
Capela Árvore da Vida- Seminário Conciliar de Braga. It is made with 20 tons of unadorned wood and not a single nail or metal fitting.
Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte
A hilltop sanctuary with beautiful gardens, architecture and views over Braga, perhaps the city's most-known tourist attraction and a . The baroque church sits atop a monumental staircase and for those who'd rather not walk up it, there is a historic funicular powered by water balance.
Built in early 20th century to host the growing performing arts community and accommodate the needs of local population, the Teatro continues to host both theatrical plays, film nights and other performances including live music and dance.
Local dishes.
True Minho cuisine.
cake, coffee.
Be sure to check out the hotel's Panoramic Restaurant. With seating for 120 people and a pleasant panoramic view of the city of Braga. Serves a wide range of traditional regional specialities.
By train
Braga has a major terminus railway station, with an impressive new high-rise building erected in 2004, contrasting with the small historic one sitting alongside.
By car
You have a lot of highways going to Braga, from Guimarães, Porto, Felgueiras, Chaves, and others. If you are coming from the south of Portugal there is no difficulty at all.
By bus
Rede Expressos, a network of long-distance bus services, includes a number of direct and indirect lines to Braga bus station from practically every city in Portugal.
Public transportation within Braga is provided by Transportes Urbanos de Braga (website only in Portuguese as of 2016), which operates a few dozen bus lines throughout the municipality.
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