Travel and Places  

Explore The Medieval Themed Portuguese City Of Braga

By Chisom Njoku

08 August 2019   |   10:45 am

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on Telegram

Braga is a city in the far north of Portugal, northeast of Porto known for its religious heritage and events. The city has a resident population of 192,494 inhabitants representing the seventh largest municipality in Portugal and the third-largest urban center in Portugal after Lisbon and Porto. Braga is a wonderful tourist destination that combines…

Braga, Portugal, Photo. Erasmusu

Braga is a city in the far north of Portugal, northeast of Porto known for its religious heritage and events. The city has a resident population of 192,494 inhabitants representing the seventh largest municipality in Portugal and the third-largest urban center in Portugal after Lisbon and Porto.

Braga is a wonderful tourist destination that combines history and culture, with numerous outstanding tourist attractions. In the city center, medieval Braga Cathedral is home to a sacred art museum and the Gothic-style Kings’ Chapel. Nearby, the imposing Archbishop’s Palace overlooks Santa Barbara Garden.

The city is often regarded as the religious centre of Portugal, and this is confirmed every hour when a cacophony of different church bells ring-out. Within the maze of narrow streets, Gothic churches back onto modern shopping streets and grand baroque buildings surround peaceful plazas.

Despite being the third largest city in Portugal, Braga does not have a hectic pace or crowded atmosphere, and is a joy to explore. As an important city, Braga has the services, choices and nightlife of a major city, along with a young and vibrant population, as home to one of Portugal’s largest universities.

Along with being an enthralling city, Braga is also the setting for one of the finest monuments of Northern Portugal, the Bom Jesus do Monte. This beautiful church and much famed baroque staircase, which depict the ascent to heaven, are only 5km from the city and are a must for any trip to Braga.

Rich in culture, The region of Braga is scattered with Neolithic, Roman, Medieval and Modernist monuments, buildings and structures attracting tourists. Although there are many examples of these structures, only the following have been classified by the Instituto de Gestão do Património
Arquitectónico e Arqueológico as National Monuments.