One of Portugal’s major yet most beautiful cities, Braga is also known as the “Portuguese Rome” as it is home to a large amount of religious architecture. Dotted around the city, these sites and buildings perfectly portray the rich and often tumultuous history that is Braga’s. Interweaved with this is a Baroque style of architecture and some distinctly modern developments that culminate wonderfully to create the cities charming diversity. It is justly famous for its Holy Week celebrations and is home to over 30 churches.
During the Roman Era, the town was known as Bracara Augusta and was of much importance in the Galician province, as it was part of the Empire’s link to Rome, so much so that it was named as the regions capital. Throughout later Sueve, Visigoth and then Christian rule, it remained one of Portugal’s most influential and important cities. The city has known innumerable power struggles and battles over the centuries, but Christian authority was at its peak by 1112AD, at the hands of Archbishop Maurício Burbino. Following this, Pope Innocence III transferred religious control of five important regions of what is now Spanish territory over to Braga, further cementing its religious prevalence in Mediterranean Europe.
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus - Braga, photo by Região de Turismo Verde Minho
What followed from this was centuries of influential Archbishops determined to expand and modernise Braga which would enable it to become the thriving cosmopolitan city that it is today. Archbishop Diogo de Sousa carried out several modernisation projects in the 16th century that saw the creation of hospitals, streets and new churches. Many that succeeded him continued his work, the product of which is a blend of both religious and secular styles and buildings that make Braga a unique Portuguese city.
The city benefits from an important Historic Centre and various interesting museums and urban palaces. Many of these date back to the 18th century when a distinctly Baroque style was being implanted into the city. This is one of the things that makes it so popular with visitors. Do not miss one of the country's best-known sights, the Bom Jesus do Monte which sits atop a mountain; accessible by funicular railway for those less partial to the long climb.
More information: visitportugal.com
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