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Located in Northwest Portugal, the
city of Braga is often referred to as the Portuguese
Rome, due to the exquisite architecture of its numerous
churches. Three well known Sanctuaries, The Bom Jesus do
Monte, The Sameiro, and The Santa Marta da Falperra are
all resplendent examples of the beauty that awaits you
in Braga. Each of these famous churches are with in
walking distance of the city center. The Bom Jesus do
Monte is especially noted for its unique architectural
features including its long baroque stairway designed in
1727 by the Archbishop of Braga and a collection of life
sized terra cotta figures that represent the stages in
Christs journey to His crucifixion. At Easter, the
city plays host to several religious processions and
Holy Week Festivals.
While Braga has a rich religious
history not every attraction in the city is rooted in its
past. In recent years the city has undergone vast
modernization and is quickly becoming the regions
commercial and fashion center. Filled with eclectic bars,
tantalizing restaurants and trendy clubs, Braga offers
entertainment for every taste and lifestyle. The city
even boasts an amusement park, The Barcalandia Theme Park,
that both kids and adults will thoroughly enjoy visiting.
Other attractions of note include the numerous historic
mansions that are scattered throughout the city, many of
which house museums and acclaimed collections of fine art.
Sports enthusiasts might enjoy visiting
the Sporting Clube de Braga, host to Euro 2004, the
European Football Championships, and home to the local
outstanding football team. The stadium seats 30,000
guests and is nestled in the midst of a breathtaking
local. Carved out of the granite of Monte Castro, the
stadium affords visitors a magnificent view of the valley
beyond the stadium. Designed by distinguished Portuguese
architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, the uniquely crafted
stadium is worth touring, even if you arent able to watch
an actual game.
A summer time visit to Braga can
include participation in the cities two whimsical June
festivals, the Festas de São
João and the Festival of Gigantones. Visitors will enjoy
participating in the frolicsome traditional activities
such as dancing through the streets of the city or
watching the antics of giant carnival figures ambling down
the roadways.
Braga is within
easy distance to the picturesque resort city of Viana do
Castelo, which is located on the banks of the River Lima.
Buses and trains run frequently between the two cities,
making a day at the shore an easy part of your visit to
Braga.The
enchanting city of Braga is a glowing gem in the crown
that is Portugal. The city provides visitors with
breathtaking sites, exciting activities, and an
enlightening look into the religious history of this
fascinating nation.
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