
Traces of History in Braga: 7 Places That Tell Fascinating Stories
June 11, 2025
Braga, one of Portugal's oldest cities, hides fascinating stories dating back to the Roman Empire. Often referred to as the 'Portuguese Rome,' it delights with a wealth of sacred and secular monuments that bear witness to its turbulent history. Walking through the streets of this northern Portuguese city, you can take a true journey through time - from ancient Roman thermae to medieval cathedrals to Baroque shrines. Every stone, every building here has a story worth knowing. So, I invite you to join me on an extraordinary journey in the footsteps of Braga's history, during which we will discover 7 unique sites that tell fascinating stories about how the cultural heritage of this charming Portuguese city was shaped.
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The ancient heritage and spiritual heart of Braga
Start our historical journey with the oldest traces of civilization in Braga. The Roman Thermae of Maximinus (Roman Thermae of Maximinus) is a remarkable witness to the ancient Roman presence on the Iberian Peninsula. Discovered during archaeological work, the thermae date to the 1st-4th centuries AD and are one of the best-preserved thermal complexes in northern Portugal. Walking among the ruins, one can see the characteristic elements of Roman baths: caldarium (hot bath), tepidarium (summer bath) and frigidarium (cold bath). Particularly impressive is the underfloor heating system (hypocaustum), which testifies to the advanced engineering of the Romans. The Thermae were not only a place of hygiene, but also an important center of social life, where the inhabitants of ancient Bracara Augusta (as Braga was then called) met, conducted business and relaxed.
Legend has it that the thermae were named after Emperor Maximinus Thrace, who had a particular fondness for bathing and ordered the expansion of the complex during his visit to the city. Although historians dispute this story, it adds to the charm of the place. Today, the thermae are part of the city's archaeological tour and provide a fascinating contrast to Braga's modern buildings.
The Cathedral of Braga (Sé de Braga), on the other hand, is a true gem of sacred architecture and the oldest cathedral in Portugal. Its construction began in the 12th century, but it has been rebuilt many times over the centuries, making it a fascinating mix of architectural styles - from Romanesque to Gothic to Baroque. Once inside, look out for the impressive 18th-century organ, which is still used in religious ceremonies, and the royal chapel, where the parents of Portugal's first king, Henry of Burgundy and Teresa León, are buried.
The cathedral's most valuable treasure, however, is the Capela dos Reis chapel, where the tomb of the Archbishop of Braga, Dom Gonçalo Pereira, is located. His tomb, made of stone in the 14th century, is a masterpiece of Gothic sculpture. Also worth a look is the cathedral treasury, where the famous processional cross from the 12th century and the reliquary of Saint Ovid, the city's patron saint, are kept.
The cathedral bell tower also hides a fascinating history. According to local legend, during a Moorish invasion of the city, the cathedral bells themselves began to toll, warning residents of danger. Thanks to this, many residents managed to escape and take refuge in the surrounding mountains. Today, the bells ring regularly, reminding us of the city's centuries-old history.
Braga Cathedral is not only a monument, but also a living religious center of the city. As the seat of the Archbishop of Braga, the Primate of Portugal, it plays a key role in the spiritual life of the country. Every year during Holy Week, solemn processions are held here, attracting thousands of faithful and tourists from all over the world.
Baroque wonders and palatial splendors
Leaving Braga's historic center, it is worth heading to the hills surrounding the city, where one of Portugal's most magnificent shrines, Bom Jesus do Monte, is located. This place is not only a religious pilgrimage destination, but also a true masterpiece of Baroque architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary is most famous for its monumental staircase, which symbolizes Jesus' Stations of the Cross. The 577 steps are divided into sections representing the Stations of the Cross, and each section is decorated with symbolic fountains and chapels.
The most fascinating part of the complex is the so-called Stairway of the Five Senses, where each sense is represented by a different fountain. According to local tradition, pilgrims should climb the staircase on their knees, contemplating the passion of Christ. For less religious tourists, there is a historic water fountain dating back to 1882 - one of the oldest operating fountains in the world, powered by a system of water counterweights.
The observation deck at the basilica offers a breathtaking view of Braga and the surrounding valleys. The basilica itself, built in a neoclassical style, hides a number of valuable works of art, including the sculpture of the crucified Christ, which according to legend was carved by Nicodemus, a witness to Jesus' crucifixion. Although art historians date it to a much later period, the sculpture is held in special reverence by pilgrims.
Near Bom Jesus is another important shrine - the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro). It is the second most important Marian site in Portugal, after Fatima. Built in the 19th century on Sameiro Hill, it offers equally impressive views as Bom Jesus. The basilica, in a neoclassical style, is much simpler in form than the Baroque shrine of Bom Jesus, but its monumentality is very impressive.
Inside the shrine is the venerated statue of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, crowned in 1904. Every year, on the first Sunday in June, a great pilgrimage takes place here, attracting thousands of faithful from all over Portugal. Surrounding the sanctuary is a beautiful park with numerous walking paths, a perfect place for contemplation and relaxation after a busy visit.
Returning to the city center, it is impossible to miss one of the most beautiful examples of Rococo architecture in Portugal - the Palácio do Raio (Raio Palace). Built in 1754 at the behest of wealthy merchant João Duarte de Faria, this remarkable building impresses with its blue façade covered with traditional Portuguese azulejos (ceramic tiles). The palace was designed by André Soares, the most prominent Baroque and Rococo architect in northern Portugal.
The history of the palace is as fascinating as its architecture. In the 19th century it was purchased by Miguel José Raio, Viscount Raio, from whom it took its current name. It later served as a hospital, and now houses the Memorial Center, showcasing the history of the city and region. Visiting the interior of the palace, you can admire original furniture, paintings and decorations that take you back to the days of the Portuguese aristocracy. Particularly impressive is the main staircase with its richly decorated balustrade and ceiling covered with frescoes.
Archeological treasures and historic center
To fully understand Braga's history, visit the Archaeological Museum D. Diogo de Sousa (Museum of archeology D. Diogo de Sousa). Named after the archbishop who initiated the first systematic archaeological research in the region in the 16th century, the museum displays a fascinating collection of artifacts from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Particularly rich is the collection of finds from Roman times, when Braga (then Bracara Augusta) was an important administrative center of the province of Gallaecia.
Among the most valuable exhibits are Roman mosaics uncovered during excavations in the center of the city, a collection of coins from various periods, ceramics and everyday objects that provide a glimpse into the lives of the inhabitants of ancient Braga. The museum is also famous for its modern methods of presenting its collections - interactive exhibitions, reconstructions and 3D models make history accessible even to those who are not passionate about archaeology.
An interesting feature is the collection of stone grave stelae from the Roman period, on which the names and occupations of the inhabitants of ancient Bracara can be read. Thanks to them we know that the city was inhabited by craftsmen, merchants, officials and legionaries coming from different parts of the empire. The museum also organizes archaeological workshops for children, during which they can play the role of archaeologists and discover replicas of ancient artifacts.
Rounding off our historical tour of Braga is a stroll through the Historic Center (Braga Historic Center). This is a true treasure trove of architecture and history, where you will come across fascinating monuments at every turn. The city center has preserved its medieval street layout with characteristic narrow streets and small squares. Among the most important monuments are the Archbishop's Palace (Paço Episcopal), which for centuries was the seat of the powerful archbishops of Braga, and the Santa Bárbara Garden with its distinctive Baroque layout.
An integral part of the historic center is the Arco da Porta Nova, an 18th-century Baroque city gate designed by André Soares that served as the main entrance to the city. According to local legend, the city's foundation documents were buried under the gate to ensure its protection and prosperity. Today, the gate is one of Braga's symbols and a popular meeting place for locals.
Braga's historic center is also a paradise for lovers of traditional Portuguese cuisine. There are numerous restaurants and taverns where you can try local specialties such as bacalhau à Braga (cod prepared according to a traditional recipe) or pudim Abade de Priscos (egg pudding with port and bacon). Many of these establishments are housed in historic buildings, further adding historical context to the culinary experience.
Comparing all seven venues described, it is clear that each represents a different aspect of Braga's rich history. The Roman Thermae and Archaeological Museum take us back to antiquity, the Cathedral and historic center reflect the city's medieval power as a religious center, and the Bom Jesus and Sameiro shrines and Raio Palace showcase the richness of the Baroque and Rococo periods. In terms of accessibility, the facilities in the city center are the most accessible, while the shrines require a bit more effort to reach. However, the effort is worth it, as they offer not only fascinating history, but also unforgettable views of the city and the surrounding area.
Braga, with its more than 2,000-year history, is a true treasure trove of Portugal's cultural heritage. Each of the seven sites described tells a different story, but together they form a fascinating tale of a city that has been an important religious, cultural and political center for centuries. Whether you're a lover of history, architecture or simply looking for inspiring places to visit, Braga will certainly not disappoint you.
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