I just got back from a few days in Braga, located in the north of Portugal to visit my friend Christie. If you'll remember I visited her in Tavira in March and Lagos in April. She's here on a 90 day tourist visa and has been a month in each place.
We had a great time exploring the town ... and of course, the obligatory photo in front of the Braga sign.
We had a great time exploring the town ... and of course, the obligatory photo in front of the Braga sign.
There was even a re-enactment of a Roman festival called Braga Romana, where they relive the time when the city was part of the Roman Empire. Braga actually used to be named Bracara Augusta. It seemed like the whole town was involved and really gets into character.
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Trying on (and eventually buying) my flower crown for the festivities.
There were parades, fire dancers, re-enactments and lots of vendors.
Bom Jesus do Monte
Visiting Bom Jesus do Monte is a must for anyone planning a trip to Braga, Portugal.
Bom Jesus do Monte is a monumental hilltop sanctuary and a popular tourist attraction. The sanctuary is one of the most majestic sacred hills in Europe, dominated by a huge stairway that combines three architectural styles: Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical.
The site is also known for its zigzagging stairs dedicated to the five senses and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bom Jesus do Monte is a monumental hilltop sanctuary and a popular tourist attraction. The sanctuary is one of the most majestic sacred hills in Europe, dominated by a huge stairway that combines three architectural styles: Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical.
The site is also known for its zigzagging stairs dedicated to the five senses and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can climb the almost 600 steps to reach the stunning Basilica of Bom Jesus do Monte and enjoy a fabulous view of the city of Braga.
Instead of walking up all of those steps, we rode the funicular up to the top of the mountain.
The funicular was inaugurated on March 25, 1882 and is the oldest funicular in the world moved by water counterbalancing, loading water into the car at the top of the hill, weighing it down so it descends to the bottom, at the same time drawing the lighter, drained car up the hill, where the process starts all over again. Here's a time lapse of our trip up.
The gardens were absolutely gorgeous!
The Basilica of Bom Jesus do Monte
The Basilica of Bom Jesus do Monte is a significant example of Portuguese neoclassical architecture, designed by the great architect Carlos Amarante. The interior of the temple features a Latin cross plan, with a well-lit nave, a transept with chapels, a deep chapel, and a galilee. The Bom Jesus chapel, housing the image of the Agonizing Lord and the Lady of Sorrows, is located on the left side of the nave. On the right side, there is the sacristy, adorned with portraits of its benefactors. The main facade of the basilica is inscribed with significant historical details, such as the date of the laying of the first stone.
The sanctuary was built on a spot where hermits had settled from the 14th century onwards and has been rebuilt and extended over the centuries.
The sanctuary was built on a spot where hermits had settled from the 14th century onwards and has been rebuilt and extended over the centuries.
Additionally, the sanctuary offers a panoramic restaurant, an esplanade, a cave with a small lake.
The best time to visit is when the place isn't crowded, and there are several practical amenities available, including coffee shops, toilets, and hotels nearby. The sanctuary is easily accessible from Braga via public transport or organized tours.
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