Braga - from Roman city to the present

Braga was founded in 16 BC by the Romans and later came into the possession of the Muslims. With this city guide, all the important sights of the city are visited and discussed in detail.

Start at the Continente car park...

At the Palácio do Raio, one of the most remarkable buildings of the city in terms of civil architecture, we enter the historic city . We walk through the Carlos Amarante square with its fountain and the typical BRAGA letters. A little further on is the Paulus church , whose interior is stunning and is considered the best collection of baroque art in the city. Next to it is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Tower, from where you have a stunning panorama .

We now pass by some references to Roman times : a statue of Emperor Caesar, the Monument to the Roman Aqueduct, and the Roman Baths of Alto da Cividade.

We are now on the other side of the city where the Campo das Hortas acts as a gateway to the historic centre with the Arco da Porta Nova. A little further on, the Biscainhos Museum with its 17th century French gardens is worth a visit. The Church of Pópulo is known for its blue and white tiles that cover the entire walls.

We arrive at the Municipal Square with the Town Hall, the Pelican Fountain and the library in the former Archbishop's Palace.

The Cathedral of Braga , built on the foundations of a Roman temple in honour of Isis, rivalled the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It is surrounded by other interesting buildings.

Back to the former Archbishop's Palace and the Largo Do Paço and further on the Jardim de Santa Bárbara is one of the most beautiful gardens in Braga .

Past the Dragon Fountain we pass the Torre de Menagem (the only remnant of Braga Castle) at the Republic Square with the Lapa Church and two centuries-old, iconic cafés in the city: Café Vianna and Astória. The west tower of the Basilica of the Congregados was not completed until 1964.

Passing by the Mouzinho de Albuquerque square we go to the Church of St. Vincent which is worth a visit. From the Monument of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which stands on top of the Guadalupe Hill you have a panoramic view.

Be sure to also consult the information about the sights once you are there . They will explain what you will see!

This tour/city walk is part of a series of city walks and tours starting from Resende and Arcos near Ponte de Lima and described in "Day trips Douro and northern Portugal".

09/2024