Braga (Portugal) is a beautiful and very lively city, the center of Catholicism. It has a large number of monasteries and temples, museums and other architectural objects that attract the attention of tourists and are important for the whole country. And although not everyone knows about this city, it is worth a visit. Walking through the streets and sightseeing will leave the most pleasant impression in your memory.
Location and general information
The city of Braga (Portugal) is located on the banks of the Estti River. It is 321 km from Lisbon, and 50 km from Porto. The area of the city is approximately 183 square kilometers, the population is about 175,000 people. Time is 3 hours late from Moscow.
The summer is sunny, mostly clear, without rain. The average temperature this season is 24 degrees Celsius. Autumn is characterized by rainy weather, and in winter it is cool, sometimes snow falls. But at this time, the air temperature rarely drops below +12. It is preferable to come to Braga from May to October. But this city is beautiful at any time of the year.
A bit of history
Braga (Portugal) in ancient times was inhabited by the Celts, and then the brakars lived here. Already in our era, the Romans came to this territory. They founded a settlement, which was then named in honor of Emperor Brakar Augustus. This people not just settled on the land of Braga: it was located right at the intersection of 5 Roman roads and was needed as an important strategic point.
When the Roman Empire fell, the Goths were firmly established in the city - for three centuries. The following land owners were the Moors. And only after this, King Afonso III from the Burgundy dynasty took Bragu for himself.
Starting from the IV century, the city becomes the capital of the local diocese. It was at this time that Christianity began to spread rapidly in Europe. As a result, the construction of many religious buildings and the formation of the city as the religious center of the country. This title of Braga is to this day.
Braga (Portugal) Attractions
Its age is 2250 years, it is one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. Therefore, there are a lot of attractions worthy of attention from tourists.
Acquaintance with Braga is worth starting from the Old Town. In this area, the largest number of places significant for the country are accumulated. At the entrance, tourists are greeted by the gates of Arco da Porta Nova, which best reflects what awaits the guests behind them. The architectural structure is made in the Baroque style. Next, pay attention to one of the most important cathedrals - the Cathedral. It is a building in the Gothic style, and many elements have been preserved since the XVI century. The interior and decor are incredibly beautiful and interesting. It is impossible to describe in words - you need to see.
On the territory of the Cathedral there is a chapel of the kings, in which all the rulers of Portugal found their eternal peace . Another beautiful place is the gardens of St. Barbara. This area with a fountain and sculpture is located behind the Cathedral.
On the opposite side of the garden is the archbishop's palace. The building is a real architectural work of art and combines Baroque and Gothic - this is such an unusual merger of the two styles. There is a huge library with about 300,000 books, including old manuscripts.
What you must see in Braga?
In the city of Braga (Portugal), the sights (photos of some of them are in this article) are incredibly beautiful, but there are a lot of them, because of which it is impossible to fully describe the superiorities of each. But since the city is deeply religious, special attention should be paid to temples and monasteries.
The most prominent representative of the Italian Renaissance of the 16th century is deservedly Misericordia. Along with it is the chapel Capela da Conceicao, as well as the church of Sao Joao de Souto and Santa Cruz. Mandatory to visit the church of Christ at Calvary, located in the vicinity of Braga.
There are many museums, the most striking of them is Noguera da Silva. It contains collections of ceramics, sculptures, antique artifacts and paintings. It is also worth visiting the museum of Pius XII with expositions of ancient tools.
The surroundings also deserve attention
Do not refuse to travel outside the city of Braga (Portugal). What to see in the vicinity? First of all, the Church of Christ at Calvary, located on a hill 6 km from the city. The territory already begins to fascinate at the entrance to it. Various exhibits were built here, which are symbols of the fourteen stops of Christ. The staircase leading to the temple has an unusual shape and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
It is recommended to visit at least one of the nearby villages. They will amaze with their originality, originality. The villages have their own monasteries and temples, museums and chapels, unique architecture.
Gastronomic tourism and shopping
In the city of Braga (Portugal), in your free time from excursions, you can escape by visiting the restaurant or taking a walk in the shops and buying gifts for relatives and friends. The cuisine in the catering facilities is very diverse. The advantage, of course, is Portuguese, but many restaurants offer seafood dishes and culinary masterpieces according to recipes from other countries of the world. Inacio, Pedra Furada and Brito's are popular.
There are also many shops and shopping centers in Braga. Most of them are located in the central part of the city. Among the wide range you can choose what suits the price range. It is worth paying attention to religious goods, as this will be the best reminder of Braga.
Where to stay?
The city of Braga (Portugal), the photo of which is in this article, has many hotels for every taste, budget and depending on the purpose of the visit:
- Excursions: it is better to choose an inexpensive hotel without an all-inclusive system, next to which there will be transport routes, for example Golden Tulip Braga 4 *.
- Sport and relaxation: Mercure Braga Centro 4 * is ideal.
- Family holidays with kids: Melia Braga Hotel & Spa 5 *.
- Honeymoon: Golden Tulip Braga 4 *.
- Secluded relaxation: Hotel Rural Alves (Casa Alves de Torneiros) 3 *.
- Shopping / gastronomy: Charme Sao Vicente 3 *.
- Treatment: Golden Tulip Braga 4 *.
Braga (Portugal) Travel Reviews
As vacationers write, this cute, beautiful and cozy town deserves a visit. Here you can relax and usefully relax, visit interesting sights, museums and admire the majestic architecture. Walking along the cobbled streets will leave the most pleasant experience, and monasteries, temples and churches will make you plunge into the distant past, when the religious component of the world was just beginning to take shape.
Tourists advise people who can not stand the heat to not come to Braga in July, because at this time it is simply impossible to walk and visit the sights. So if the purpose of the visit is an excursion tour, you should choose another month. In general, Braga is an amazing town with its unique features and ample opportunities for an exciting vacation.