{"id":24631,"date":"2023-10-27T10:53:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-27T08:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fromplacetoplace.travel\/?p=24631"},"modified":"2023-10-19T18:08:53","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T16:08:53","slug":"sights-in-braga","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fromplacetoplace.travel\/portugal\/portugal-north\/braga\/sights-in-braga\/","title":{"rendered":"The 11 most beautiful sights in Braga"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For a day trip to Braga, we boarded the train in Porto in beautiful weather. The trip takes about 1 hour and gave us the opportunity to pick out the most important information and sights in Braga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Originally founded by the Celts and later conquered by the Romans as Bracara Augusta in the 1st century BC, Braga became an important Roman city in the Iberian Peninsula. Its importance grew further when it became the capital of the Roman province of Gallaecia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Braga\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Braga was dominated by various Germanic tribes, including the Suebi. In the 6th century, the city was a center of Christianization in the region. This Christian influence intensified when the Moors conquered the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, but never gained a firm foothold in Braga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Middle Ages, after the Reconquista, an important religious center emerged in Braga. At the time, the city was the seat of the archbishop and the site of the oldest cathedral in Portugal. Over the centuries, the city flourished both religiously and culturally, becoming a center for art, architecture and education in Portugal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover sights in Braga<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hardly arrived at the station was clear, the beautiful weather was not visiting the city today and the umbrella would accompany us throughout the day. So we set off and discovered a rather empty city, which despite the fog, clouds and rain exuded a lot of charm. I can imagine that in the summer there people sit on the street and enjoy life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Braga<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On foot we went from the train station to the center of Braga. We had marked some places on the map in advance, which we could “walk” well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fontan\u00e1rio da Rua Andrade Corvo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even before we reached the center, we passed a meadow surrounded on one side by some remains of walls. The battlements on the wall lead me to believe that they are remnants of the old city fortifications. Then, at one section of the wall, I discovered a fountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mauer<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The fountain is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. It has a wide backrest divided into three sections, with a sculptural group in each section. The central group is particularly striking due to its detailed decoration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical elements are clearly recognizable. The central group is framed by pilasters and crowned by urns. In the pediment, one can recognize the coat of arms of the Archbishop-Prince Dom Jos\u00e9 de Bragan\u00e7a. Two dolphins resting on shells are connected to the tassels of the coat of arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The engravings “ANNO” and “D 1742” on the concave moldings indicate the year of construction of the fountain. The sculptural groups on the sides are simpler in design, decorated with garlands and ornamental moldings and topped by an urn. The original bowls and gargoyles are missing today, but a stone bench in front of the base offers seating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arco da Porta Nova<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The path takes us through the Arco da Porta Nova in Braga. Even from a distance, the triumphal arch that marks the western entrance to the medieval city wall is an eye-catcher. It stands among the three- to five-story buildings that dominate the cityscape. On the first floor of these buildings, stores line up, while on the upper floors, the windows of residential houses can be seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we approach, we notice the double decorative design of the arch. The west facade presents itself in splendid Baroque with an interrupted semicircular arch facade framed by four pilasters. The coat of arms of Archbishop Gaspar of Bragan\u00e7a adorns the arch, and above it is enthroned the allegorical figure of the city of Braga, proudly watching over the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The eastern facade is in neoclassical style. Here the arch is framed by two relief pilasters and surmounted by an image of Nossa Senhora da Nazar\u00e9 (Our Lady of Nazareth) in a recessed niche.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"ehemaliges<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The way the gate is seen today in Braga, it was built sometime in the 17th century. The archbishop of the city ordered the reconstruction of the current landmark. It was he who had the statue of the city erected. His successors designed some more elements and the former rococo gate became a baroque gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pa\u00e7os do Concelho de Braga<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Next, we were attracted by a beautiful building that stands in a square with a fountain. It is the City Hall and the seat of the C\u00e2mara Municipal, the city’s local government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The City Hall of Braga, also known as “Pa\u00e7os do Concelho”, has its roots in the Middle Ages. It was built by Andr\u00e9 Soares starting in 1754 and has undergone many changes and renovations over the centuries. It was not properly completed until 1865, long after the death of the archtiect. The building, as it can be seen today, is the result of alterations carried out in the 18th century, when Braga was experiencing a period of prosperity and cultural boom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Braga<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Architecturally, Braga City Hall is an impressive example of the Baroque style that prevailed in Portugal in the 18th century. The facade is symmetrical and is flanked by two bell towers. A distinctive feature is the central window above the main entrance, surmounted by a stone coat of arms of the city of Braga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sights in Braga: S\u00e9 de Braga – the Cathedral of Braga<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Arriving at a small rather insignificant looking square, we are at one of the most important places in the city. Here is the Cathedral of Braga. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Braga and the oldest cathedral in Portugal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The diocese of Braga, one of the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula, was founded in the 3rd century according to tradition, although historical evidence points to the year 400. Braga was once the center of the Christianization of Gallaecia and became the capital of the Suebic Empire between 409 and 584. Under the influence of Bishop Martin of Dumio, the Suebi converted to Catholicism around 550. After the Moorish conquest in the 8th century, Braga lost its episcopal see, but it was restored around 1070 after the Christian Reconquista. The bishop at that time had a cathedral built.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Freilichtmuseum<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The current Braga Cathedral, built in the 12th century in the Burgundian Romanesque style, stands on the historic site. Construction lasted until the middle of the 13th century and so it is not surprising that one can see a mixture of different architectural styles. In 1905 the cathedral was granted the title of basilica minor by Pope Pius X.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

View into the courtyard of the cathedral<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Through a small gate we entered a courtyard. Here, historical artifacts lie everywhere, forming a small open-air museum. From the courtyard, an entrance leads to the chapel of S\u00e3o Geraldo. It is one of the last remnants of the 11th century building. Unfortunately, it was not possible to go inside the chapel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the courtyard I also discovered a very beautiful small open chapel with a small altar. The still recognizable pictures give an idea of how magnificent it must have once looked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Through a new glass annex you get into the cloister. However, not very far, because the entrance to the museum with the treasury is chargeable and the church (whether you have to pay there I do not know), was closed due to the service taking place. A security guard stood in front of the door and did not let anyone in. The singing I could hear from the church was beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chafariz do Castelo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Chafariz dos Castelos, an ornate fountain, is located in the historic center of Braga, more precisely on Largo do Pa\u00e7o. It was built in 1723 by order of the Archbishop D. Rodrigo de Moura Telles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Architecturally, the fountain stands on a dodecagonal base surrounded by three steps. In the basin stands a column composed of a group of putti. These hold a hexagonal bowl equipped with six spouts at the tops. At the top is a statue that symbolizes the city of Braga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From this impressive fountain you have a direct view of the Archbishop’s palace, the parish building of the University of Minho and the public library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jardim de Santa B\u00e1rbara: discover the sights in Braga<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Santa B\u00e1rbara Garden is the public city garden of Braga. It is located in the historic center next to the medieval wing of the Pa\u00e7o Episcopal Bracarense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Jardim de Santa B\u00e1rbara is one of the most beautiful gardens in Braga and even in November and in the rain, I found this place beautiful. In the center of the very geometrically designed garden is a fountain from the 17th century. On the fountain is the statue of Santa B\u00e1rbara, the namesake of the garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"wundersch\u00f6ner<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A high, crenellated stone wall at the lower edge of the garden suggests a castle. It is part of the facade of the medieval palace of Braga, built at the end of the Middle Ages by the archbishops D. Gon\u00e7alo de Pereira and D. Fernando da Guerra. Today it houses the District Archives of Braga and it a part of the more extensive complex of the Episcopal Palace of Braga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I look out over the flowerbeds to the stone arches, I imagine what it would be like to spend some romantic time here on a bench in fine weather or even in the moonlight. What a beautiful place!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Castelo de Braga<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Braga once had a fortification with a defense line and, of course, a castle. In today’s cityscape, not much of this can be seen. The only remains of this structure are some gates and towers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Chafariz dos Castelos in Braga, first documented in 1161, is located near the S\u00e9 Cathedral. Originally conceived as a walled enclosure, it was probably enlarged around 1210. King Denis initiated the construction of the castle in 1300, but it was not completed until the 15th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Despite several conquests and destructions, especially by Henry II of Castile in the 14th century, the castle was repeatedly restored and expanded. King Ferdinand added three towers in 1378, and Archbishop Diogo de Sousa commissioned the construction of the Porta Nova around 1505. In the 17th century, the Porta Nova gate was rebuilt and later expanded in the Rococo style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the destruction of the castle and the walls in the 19th and 20th centuries, the keep, the last pieces of wall and existing gates were declared a national monument in 1910. In the following decades, restoration work was carried out and now the remains are among the most important monuments in Braga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The keep<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The most important remnant of the castle, the keep (Portuguese: Torre de Menagem) is located today in the middle of the old town. This rectangular, brick-clad tower rises about 30 meters into the air. Its masonry, made of granite, shows a slight staggering in the lower part.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Bergfried<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Decorations such as beveled pinnacles and gargoyles adorn the corners of the structure. The first floor is striking, with a height of about 12 meters, much higher than the others. Grooves can be seen on this floor, indicating that other buildings were attached here, and some stones still bear inscriptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the northeast of the second floor is an arched entrance doorway, emblazoned with the coat of arms of King Denis, which can also be found on the west side of the tower. A staircase leads from here to a mezzanine. The southeast facade of the second and third floors shows cracks. Each facade of the roof has arched windows, with two facades having twin windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Padr\u00e3o dos Descobrimentos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In front of the tower is a small granite stone column with a bronze cross. This is one of many columns that all look quite similar and can be found all over the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first column was erected in 1482 by the navigator Diogo C\u00e3o in Africa. The columns are meant to commemorate the great seafaring nation and commemorate the sailors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Igreja dos Terceiros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Directly opposite the small stone column stands one of the many sights in Braga, the church of the Third Order of St. Francis. It was built around 1690 only from donations in the style of the Baroque. Very striking is the image of Our Lady of the Conception on the facade of the church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you have time, you should definitely take a look inside the church. The beautiful main chapel is covered with tiles by Nicolau Freitas and the altars are covered with gilded wood carvings. I think the church is almost an insider tip.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pra\u00e7a da Rep\u00fablica<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pra\u00e7a da Rep\u00fablica, also known as Arcada, is located in the heart of Braga. This central square connects the squares of S\u00e3o Francisco and Bar\u00e3o de S\u00e3o Martinho with the Avenidas Central and Liberdade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its history dates back to the late Middle Ages. The name “Arcada” derives from an arcade built in 1715 on the initiative of Rodrigo de Moura Teles. Since the late 16th century, this place served as a marketplace for food that supplied the city. Over the years, the square has borne different names. With the proclamation of the Portuguese Republic in 1910, it received its current name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the 19th century, the square was transformed into a public garden. The current arcade building, designed by the municipal engineer Joaquim Pereira da Cruz, was completed in 1885. A significant redesign of the square took place between June 1994 and July 1995, when road traffic was banned from the area and a fountain was added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the weather is nice, this is a wonderful place to sit and watch the hustle and bustle of the square. The cafes offered outdoor seating even in November and when it rained, but the weather did not entice us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top sights in Braga: Bom Jesus do Monte<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the weather is like in Braga, a visit to the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is not to be missed. In July 2019, the site was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The shrine is located on the eastern outskirts of the city and is difficult to reach on foot. We went there by bus (line 2). For \u20ac1.55 per person each way, the line runs from the old city to a stop below the site. It’s best to check the departure times as soon as you get there! The bus leaves about every 30 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ride with the Ascensor<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Who wants, can walk up the rather steep path to pilgrimage route of course. We opted for the more comfortable way and went with the funicular!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Eingang<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Directly opposite the bus stop is the valley station of the historic railroad. The train runs on demand and is controlled by hand. We could buy the ticket (1,50\u20ac) for the uphill ride directly from the driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So we boarded the oldest funicular on the Iberian Peninsula (1882), took our seats on the wooden benches, and off we went. It jerked and rattled as the oldest functioning water ballast streetcar in the world began to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train did not go fast and yet it took barely 3 minutes until we arrived at the bottom station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Standseilbahn<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The railroad is not only used to transport tourists and employees of Bom Jesus do Monte. To this day, material needed is also transported up the mountain this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the road in the fog<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The history of Bom Jesus do Monte begins in the 14th century with a small chapel dedicated to the Cross of Christ, built on the hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nebel<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the place became an important pilgrimage destination and various chapels and altars were added to represent the stations of Christ’s Way of the Cross. These are lined up along the ascent at the end of which stands the present church, built in 1811. The ascent has become the tourist attraction and photo spot in Braga. The beautiful marble staircase climbs 116 meters and is divided into three sections dedicated to the three Christian virtues of faith, hope and love. During the climb, pilgrims encounter various statues, fountains and chapels depicting biblical scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Treppe<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At this point of our time in Braga, I envy the people who are there when the weather is nice. Then the staircase shines white in the sun, with us it was rather gray and barely visible through the fog. Some would say what a gruesome visit. I found it almost mystical to walk around in the foggy area. When then still the church bell struck, the impression was perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n