Stairs to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus - Braga

At the entrance starts the iconic zigzag staircase (Escadório do Bom Jesus).

The staircase has 577 steps for a height difference of 116 meters .

The staircase is more than just a physical climb – it’s a spiritual journey ! It’s divided into three sections:

Staircase of the Senses ( Escadório dos Sentidos ) – Five fountains symbolize the senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch).

Staircase of Virtues ( Escadório das Virtudes ) – Three fountains represent the Christian virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity.

Staircase to the Sanctuary ( Escadório do Bom Jesus ) – The final climb leads to the church, as a sign of spiritual purification.

The staircase is built in a Baroque style with many decorative elements. The winding shape refers to the spiritual quest of man. The fountains symbolically cleanse body and soul during the climb. The first stones for the sanctuary were laid in 1373 , but the monumental staircase as we know it today was not built until between 1723 and 1811. It is a rare example of Baroque architecture in which religion, art and symbolism come together.

The original plan by architect André Soares was even more ambitious. It included additional side stairs and decorative elements , but these were never fully realised.

The staircase is made of grey granite , typical of the Braga region. Whitewashed walls with decorated balustrades provide a strong contrast .

Pilgrims often climb the stairs on their knees as a sign of devotion.

Many visitors take the world's oldest water balance cable car up and come down the stairs.

Willem Vandenameele