Braga, about 50 kilometres north of Porto, has one of the oldest cathedrals in the country and, on the neighbouring hill, the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, famous for its zigzag baroque staircase. You can go by train from Porto in about one hour to 1h20 depending on the service, and a day is enough to see the centre and climb to the sanctuary. The Bom Jesus funicular, in service since 1882, runs on a water counterweight: it is one of the oldest in the world still operating on this principle.
Highlights
The Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary
A monumental staircase climbs to the church through landings decorated with fountains and statues. You can walk up or take the funicular ("elevador"), which links the foot of the hill to the sanctuary alongside the staircase over 267 metres. From the terrace, the view takes in Braga and the plain.
Braga Cathedral (Sé)
Founded in the late 11th century, it blends Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque and houses several chapels and a cloister. Entry to the church is free; the treasury and cloister areas usually charge admission, with the price to be checked on site.
The historic centre
The pedestrian lanes between the cathedral, the Arco da Porta Nova and the central Avenida da Liberdade are easy to cover on foot; this is the place for lunch and local pastries.
Practical info
Tips
- We could not read the current funicular fare or the cathedral fee on the official sites: check the sanctuary's hours on bomjesus.pt before you leave. The train journey and timetable can be checked on the CP website. For another day trip, see Guimarães from Porto, which you can combine in a stay of 3 days in Porto.
How to get there
Train from Porto São Bento or Campanhã to Braga station, about 1h to 1h20 depending on the service. From the station to the centre, allow 10 to 15 minutes on foot; a city bus serves the Bom Jesus sanctuary, about 5 km from the centre.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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