I’ve tried, in this series of ‘glimpses’, to just offer a flavour of what’s to be enjoyed in Northern Portugal. So I haven’t named every church, public building and mountain peak in the posts. But what a wealth of beauty there is here – and we’ve barely skimmed the surface!
Braga, it turns out, is the 3rd largest city in Portugal. We didn’t get a clear view of the landmarks because preparations for a major festival were well underway. But its really beautiful – open squares, elegant buildings and, of course, plenty of churches.
You could visit as a day trip from Porto but its worth spending a night or two if you can.
Braga’s cathedral is the oldest in Portugal…
Jardim de Santa Bárbara is an example of a perfect city park.
Palácio do Raio is a stunning example of Baroque architecture.
Fonte do Ídolo (Fountain of the Idol) was built by the Romans in the 1st century. It features a carved rock but the figure has deteriorated to the extent that its not possible to say whether its male or female.
Part of the inscription can still be read – Celico fronto of Arcobriga Ambimogido built (this Monument)
Well! Something familiar about this!! More steps! Bom Jesus do Monte (as with the staircase in Lamego) is constructed with several landings, statues and shrines and leads upwards to a basilica
She has a wonderful view doesn’t she.
Now that’s really cheating – and we felt bad not going up on our knees like true pilgrims!
We weren’t in town for the festival of Sao Joao but there was a great build up for a few days and nights beforehand.
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Northern Portugal is on our list! Thanks for the great photos!
There is so much to see and do – you’ll love it.
I’m gutted I missed Bom Jesus when I was in Braga, but I’d love to go back for the festival so that’ll be another excuse to get back there :). Great photos too!
Thank you – to be fair its a little outside the town centre so needs extra time. But now you’ve a reason to return! And you should definitely try to make the festival either here or in Porto…