As a pilgrim to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte - Braga

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019 for its unique Baroque staircase, symbolism and landscape architecture.

This cultural landscape is reminiscent of Christian Jerusalem , recreating a sacred mountain crowned by a church. The sanctuary was developed over a period of more than 600 years , mainly in Baroque style, and illustrates a European tradition of creating Sacri Monti (sacred mountains), promoted by the Catholic Church during the Council of Trent in the 16th century, in response to the Protestant Reformation.

You can reach the top of the mountain with the "Elevador do Bom Jesus" , the oldest hydroelectric cable car in the world (from 1882). It still works entirely on water pressure.

There are 3 options to visit the Sanctuary:

1) Take the Elevador do Bom Jesus or other transport up and back down: it is easy but has the disadvantage that you will not have seen some of the stairs and chapels .

2) Up with the Elevador do Bom Jesus and down on foot: this is easy and you have seen everything . Don't forget to look back in time!

3) Walking up and down: you have seen everything from both directions.

With this walk we aim for a visit according to the third option.

Start at the bottom of the large stone triumphal arch , often called the "Arco do Bom Jesus" . From here begins the iconic zigzag staircase (Escadório do Bom Jesus), with 577 steps.

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

Portico Staircase (Escadório do Pórtico) - These stairs zigzag from chapel to chapel depicting the Way of the Cross of Jesus

After 10 chapels we arrive at the

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

We also see statues of figures from the Old Testament.

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

We also see statues and three chapels.

This brings us to the Garden of Moses. This is where the original church stood, the walls of which were possibly damaged by the great earthquake of 1755.

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

Thus we arrive at the forecourt of the basilica, where there are eight statues of figures who took part in the condemnation, suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

We visit the basilica.

We go left around the basilica. 2 chapels refer to the scenes after the death of Jesus. This way we arrive at the top of the avenue and the hill where the park with the three Chapels and Evangelists is located.

We continue into the park and along the lake with the boats that you can rent . This quiet environment is ideal to recover from the efforts in the bar .

We continue and pass a cave where Moses hits the rock with a stick and past the Casa do Fresco until we reach the artificial cave with its waterfalls and wooden kiosk.

We can enjoy the many beautiful views for a while before we start the way down.

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