Braga Heritage Walking Tour

Braga is a city of huge beauty and heritage richness, which combines tradition with innovation, the memory to the youth, creativity to conservatism. With over 2000 years of a very rich history, possesses one of the oldest Sacro-Montes in Europe and is the representative of the Minho region, the Bom Jesus. The Roman legacy is another of the attractive factors of Braga, often called ‘Portuguese Rome’, due to its origin in the Roman city of Bracara Augusta. Known by its distinct churches, splendid XVIII century houses, gardens, nature parks and recreational areas. Braga’s long history is visible in the splendor of its monuments, museums and churches. Visiting Braga is like taking a time travel inside modernity. Old city and of traditional religiousness – always imposing on its richness and majesty – lives hand in hand with the entrepreneurship and young spirit in vital areas such as culture, commerce, gastronomy, industry and services.

The appearance of the Church of Lapa, which is confused with the Arcada, is due to the fact that, in 1757, a priest and Canon of the Cathedral of São Paulo was in Portugal preaching and Braga held this religious event in the Arcada. The space was quite popular and the Canon placed a stamp of Our Lady of Lapa there, taking the opportunity to preach, pray and sing, in order to attract the people. Devotion reached such proportions that D. Gaspar de Bragança, Archbishop of Braga, authorized the construction of a chapel.

A National Monument since 1910, the Keep is almost the only thing that remains of the city's old castle. Located at the highest point of the medieval town, it has a coat of arms of D. Fernando over the door. The castle is already mentioned in documents from the beginning of the 14th century, although construction was ordered after the invasions of 1369. Demolished in 1906, it had six towers, of which traces still survive.

These small but attractive public gardens are located adjacent to the eastern wing of the 14th century Archbishop's Palace. The garden takes advantage of the historic backdrop and also incorporates the medieval arches that remain of an arcade from the palace. Laid out in the 1950s the garden was designed by Jose Cardoso da Silva in the Romantic style, in keeping with its surroundings. There are other features from the palace utilised throughout the geometric layout of the garden such as old statues, cornices and coats of arms. At the centre of the garden is a statue of Saint (Santa) Barbara on a fountain. The Santa Barbara Garden is open all year around and is fairly central to Braga. It is a great spot to escape the bustle of the city and relax amongst the greenery and beautifully laid out beds.

the Arco da Porta Nova is probably one of the most iconic buildings in the city, not only because of what it represents in architectural and urban planning terms, but also because it is to this arch that Braga owes the expression we usually hear when someone leaves a door open: “You are from Braga?“

The Cathedral of Braga, is a Roman Catholic church in the northern city of Braga, Portugal. Due to its long history and artistic significance, it is also one of the most important buildings in the country. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Braga and of the Primate Archbishop of Portugal and Spain. You We will visit the Cathedral, the Chapels, the High Choir and the Treasury-Museum

Before the end of the day, and like a cherry on the topo of the cake (in this case, tour) head to the hillside church and sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, with a ride in the secular and oldest lift/funicular of the world still in operation, moved with the counterbalance of water. Or if you feel up to climb its majestic and beautifully designed stairs. In the top of the hill, you’ll have a beautiful view over Braga, before making your way back to hotel.