Top Rated Attractions in Braga

Built in the 18th Century, the Santuário Bom Jesús do Monte is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, its monumental stairway a worldly emblem of a spiritual journey. The Baroque stairway carves a zigzag path up the mountainside, replete with allegorical statues, fountains and terracotta embellishments that depict the Stations of the Cross and other excerpts from the Bible at each landing along the way. At the culmination of this sculptural treatise lies the neoclassical church designed by Carlos Amarante, adorned with paintings by Pedro Alexandrino. Viewed from the foot of the stairs, the eyes are drawn upwards to the towering church spires that dominate the scene, a visual feast that nourishes the soul and feeds the imagination with artistic flourish. Nearby, the Museum of Confraria adds to the experience with its impressive collection of sacred art and artifacts. A revered place of pilgrimage and a popular tourist attraction, the Santuário Bom Jesús do Monte lies on a hill in Tenões just outside Braga.

Museu Dos Biscaínhos is a stunning palatial building property built in the 16th Century. At the museum, notice the enticing garden terraces and spacious rooms that define royalty. After having undergone several renovations, the building alone is worth a visit. It is a perfect location for the exhibition of Portuguese furnishings and artifacts. Other prominent displays include jewelry, glass, musical instruments, textiles and sculptures. The palace is surrounded by baroque, landscaped gardens that date back to the 18th Century. The museum is open to visitors everyday from dawn to dusk. The site is a bit of a trip, but well worth a visit.

Housed inside the remarkable 13th-century Braga Cathedral, the Cathedral Treasure museum is home to a wide and rich collection of local cultural and historical artifacts. The exhibition is divided into five collections and includes items such as 16th-century clothing, religious artifacts, an Ivory casket from the 10th Century, crosses, chalices, gold and silver church objects as well as several made from precious stones. It also has a rich wood carving display with altars, musical instruments, organs and Cadelabras on show. Apart from these, the museum has a notable collection of centuries old religious statues, over 200 bells and numerous azulejos tiles. The cathedral itself is worth seeing with its stunning architecture and rich interior decorations. A definite must visit for any history and culture enthusiast.

The Archiepiscopal Court, or the Archiepiscopal Palace of Braga, is an architectural chronicle of the city's past. The Palace comprises three distinctive wings, each a reflection of the prevalent architectural styles and tastes of a different era. The Eastern wing is the oldest of the three, built during the 14th and 15th Centuries at the behest of archbishops Gonçalo Pereira and Fernando War, its crenelated facade overlooking the Santa Barbara Garden. The Southern Wing, on the other hand, is a collection of buildings from the 16th to the 18th Centuries that center around Paço Square, while the Western Wing is a stunning example of the Portuguese Northern Baroque style designed by André Soares. Today, the Old Episcopal Palace of Braga houses a section of the University of Minho, the district archives and a public library, its gardens a treasured retreat amid historic environs.

Garden of Santa Barbara (Braga) is a beautiful landscape in the parish of Sé, set amidst the Archbishop's Palace of Braga. The garden is influenced by the Estado Novo architectural elements and was designed by José Cardoso da Silva. The manicured lawns with brightly colored flowers and decorations make for a peaceful sight.

Arco da Porta Nova is a celebratory arch that was commissioned and built in 1772 by Archbishop José de Bragança. It replaced the old arch that was constructed by king Ferdinand in 1373. It is situated in the west of the city and used to welcome dignitaries and important guests. It reflects a Baroque style with Rococo embellishments that were added later.