Sightseeing in Braga - what to see. Complete travel guide

Just like all ancient towns, Braga attracts visitors by its widest choice of interesting routes and great number of sights. This place can be relatively divided into Old Braga and New Braga. The last one is considered a business district, while all famous cultural values and historical sites can be found in Old Braga.

You should start your observing of the town from the cathedral that is surrounded by a picturesque park. This is one of the most beautiful buildings of the whole country. Its creation lasted over two hundred years and finished in the end of the 13th century. The facades of this building are decorated by ancient frescos and sculptures featuring saints. Step inside this church and you will be amazed by refined hand-made paintings and mysterious mosaics. A museum is opened on the territory of the cathedral. In the museum’s 5 exhibition halls visitors will find a collection of sculptures, hand-made jewelry and numerous church bells.

The Gardens of Saint Barbara are considered the most beautiful park in Braga. While walking among old trees, you will get a chance to see beautiful fountains, the statue of Saint Barbara and the Archbishop’s Palace. Among important religious buildings we should also underline the Santa Crus Church, Casa dos Koimbras, the Church of Saint Peter, and the Carmo church. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Apart from historical sites, such as numerous temples and cathedrals, we suggest visiting museums and exhibition halls as among them there are some really interesting ones. You should definitely consider visiting Biscainhos Museum, the Museum of Pius XII, the Nogueira da Silva Museum, and the local photo exhibition. Here you will see large collections of ceramics and china, artifacts found during archeological excavations, and also works of great Portuguese artists and sculptors. When sightseeing is tending to its end, take a walk on Braga suburbs, where you will also find many interesting places.

In the immediate vicinity of the city are the ruins of the Dumio monastery, fragments of the foundation of an old Roman villa were discovered there. According to historical records, the monastery was built here in the 6th century, during hundreds of years it has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt again. Gradually the monastery fell into complete disrepair, and during excavation specialists have found many valuable artefacts. They discovered fragments of old arches and the lid of the sarcophagus, as well as columns from the ancient foundation and other elements. 

Those fond of nature should certainly take a tour in the National Park Gerês Pineda. This park is of great interest not only for its nature, but also from an archaeological point of view; in its grounds researchers found several sites of remainders of ancient people. During the tour, guests of the park can stroll through beautiful oak forests, and even see the ruins of ancient villages, castles and monasteries. 

The palace of Braga Raju considered to be a beautiful architectural monument, also known to many travellers under the unofficial name of "Mexican House". Designed in the late Baroque style, the palace has a striking finesse design. Its facade is a sky-blue tiles decorated with traditional azulejo, skilful mouldings and large windows with carved decoration. For more than a century this palace managed to almost completely preserve the finish of the previous years. It features a carved main staircase, as well as elements of the gold finish. 

No less interesting out of architectural monuments is the palace Biskainyush, in addition to its unique architecture, it is notable for the presence of the picturesque courtyard and landscaped gardens. It is most pleasing to visit the palace during the warmer months, as there always many incredible landscape ornaments formed in his garden during that period. In this garden several beautiful old sculptures and fountains have been preserved. 

Part of the old fortifications has been preserved in Braga, including the beautiful Torre di Menage, which was built in the 11th century. This tower is located at the Republic Square and is a popular tourist attraction; on its top it is equipped with an excellent observation deck. From the 30 meters’ height all the iconic sights of the city and the picturesque historic streets are clearly visible.