Things to Do in Braga

Braga is one of Portugal's oldest cities, founded by the Romans in 297 BCE as Bracara Augusta, and was a major capital during the Roman Empire.

The city is home to Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage baroque sanctuary with a famous zigzagging staircase of 577 steps that pilgrims traditionally climb on their knees.

Braga has been called the 'Portuguese Rome' because it was the spiritual capital of Portugal during the Middle Ages, with archbishops wielding political power alongside kings.

The Cathedral of Braga (Catedral Primaz) is one of Portugal's most important churches and features a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque architecture spanning centuries.

Braga's Holy Week processions are among the most elaborate and emotionally intense in Portugal, featuring penitents in traditional robes carrying heavy wooden crosses and candles.

The city sits in the Minho wine region, famous for vinho verde, and is surrounded by rolling farmland dotted with medieval manor houses called 'solares.'