Explorations of a city with Portugal’s oldest cathedral, a UNESCO site and lots and lots of tiles.
Northeast of the more famous Porto, Braga is one of Portugal’s larger cities. While it doesn’t get the fame of Porto, Braga is a fantastic city with lots to do.
Braga was once the one of the most important cities in Portugal. It was reconquered by the Christians from the Moors in the 9th century. The city became an important religious center and home to the royal court of the Monarchy of Portugal.
I started by exploration late in the afternoon after visiting Tui, Valença and the Monastery of São Martinho de Tibães. It was a busy day.
The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is probably the most known attraction in Braga. It’s a Christian pilgrimage site with a tall monument Baroque staircase. I made the pilgrimage, because well, it’s pretty, but it’s also a UNESCO site. I’m basically collecting them at this point.
The sanctuary is at the top of the hill with a staircase that climbs 381 ft (116 m) to reach it. There are stairs leading to what is visible in this very zoomed photo from a cemetery in eastern Braga.
The start of the 580 some stairs. Unlike Lamego which also has a similar sanctuary with a giant staircase, I parked at the bottom of the staircase. So many stairs.
The lower staircase zigzags back and forth a few times. Each of the bends had one of these little chapels with scenes of the Passion of Christ.
Now to the fancy staircase that leads up to the church.
Up and up and up.
There are several landing areas with fountains. Chapels (left) were incorporated into the staircase, as well.
Finally made it to the church from the 18th century.
The grounds of the sanctuary are now a very nice public park. I had to go uphill again to get here.
Now all the way back down, with more explorations in the morning.
Heading through the Arco da Porta Nova into Braga’s city center.
Convento de Santa Maria del Popolo.
Pretty church with plenty of azulejos (Portuguese ceramic tiles, often blue).
Braga is also known for its many buildings with azulejos.
Next stop, the Cathedral of Braga. Braga’s cathedral is the oldest one in Portugal. It’s been modified a lot since then but its been in constant use since the 11th century. Due to its age, the cathedral is a giant mishmash of different styles. It’s wonderful.
From this spot, you can see Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque at least. The Baroque organ was added over the nave. It’s quite something.
When the organ was added, they also built a high choir up there.
The gorgeous 18th century high choir. You have to take a tour to get up here. I was the only one on the English tour and it was so awkward.
Such a gem.
A closer look at that organ.
The high altar with its Gothic ceiling.
Digging the color in this chapel.
Chapel of the Kings (Capela dos Reis) was reachable through the medieval cloister (only ruins remain). It was constructed in the 14th century and held the tombs of the first King of Portugal’s parents and founders of this cathedral.
There is even more cool stuff in the cathedral, but this post is already getting too long. Moving on to this interesting gate.
Not all tiles on Portuguese buildings are square. A lot mimic the look of brick. I love that frieze at the top.
January 19th and the Christmas lights are still up. All of Portugal was like this. Unfortunately, they stopped turning the lights on at dark. I especially love the lights like these.
The old Archbishop’s Palace, now an university.
The palace has a really nice public garden on the other side.
So many different types of tiles.
Capela e Torre dos Coimbras, a privately operated tower and chapel.
Casa dos Coimbras. Every single window in this building is different and I love it.
Just perfect.
Santa Cruz de Braga. Just stunning.
Stunning on the inside as well.
So much shiny.
Palácio do Raio, a really fancy merchant’s house from the 18th century. There’s a museum inside. One of the many museums I did not go to.
Brick like tiles and azulejos combined.
São Vicente with its very elaborate facade.
The Casa de Infias, from the 17th century.
I found a cemetery. No one should be surprised.
It was a decently sized one.
My favorite kind of Portuguese mausoleums are the ones that look like little chapels and houses with a terracotta roof.
Nossa Senhora-a-Branca. Reddish tiles on this one.
With yellow ones inside.
I love this building.
Jardim da Senhora A Branca.
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Penha de França is full of azulejos.
Igreja da Lapa and its lovely arcade.
Last church, Igreja dos Terceiros de São Francisco (Church of the Third Order).
Azulejos all over at the high altar.
I only had a day and bit of the day before to explore Braga. I was easily able to explore the streets. However, I probably missed some good museums. There is a lot to see in this city, very worth the detour from Porto.
Tune in for my next update where I explore the birthplace of Portugal!
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Start at the beginning of this adventure!
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