The jewel of the romanesque
Did you know that the Cathedral of Braga is the great Romanesque jewel of the Portuguese art, and the oldest cathedral of the country? Did you know that the city receives the name of the Portuguese Rome? Braga’s architectural heritage does it the religious capital of Portugal, making it the second best tourist destination in Europe in 2019.
The Cathedral of Braga is one of the most visited monuments in the city. If you’re planning a trip through the North of Portugal, the old Bracara Augusta is one of the favourite destinations from Porto.
Surely you want to know this city! Join us and we will give you a number of indications so that you can find a place in your travel agenda and make your trip, to the third city of Portugal and one of the references of Baroque in the country, an unforgettable day.
The history that has accompanied the Cathedral of Braga runs parallel to much of the history of the city and the oldest diocese in Portugal. The Roman Augusta Bracara, one of the axes of the Iberian Peninsula’s Empire, acquired great prestige during the Middle Ages as an archiepiscopal centre and one of the places of passage of the Camino de Santiago on its Portuguese itinerary.
The history of Braga has always been linked to the history of its cathedral. Actually, we could say that the origins of the Braga’s Cathedral, as mentioned, the oldest in the Portuguese country, appear even before Portugal became a country.
The cathedral of Braga is one of the best examples of the Romanesque art across de country. The monument began to be built in 1070, and its construction lasted during the whole 12th century. Since then, it became the epicentre of the religious life and a centre of reference for the diocese of Braga.
The building acquired enormous importance in Portuguese art since Romanesque architecture was developed for the first time in the Minho and Douro regions, with the Braga cathedral as the main reference.
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Let's think about the visit. We recommend you to spend at least one day in the city. The distance and tours from Porto allow us this option. Considered as Rome of Portugal for its rich heritage and its baroque excellences, this city has more than 30 churches to visit.
Braga is a city in which it’s easy to get around on foot. Its wide pedestrian areas, its gardens or its alleys make it a perfect destination. If there are two points that must appear on our travel agenda to know what to see in Braga, they are the Cathedral and the imposing monumental complex of Bom Jesus.
The Cathedral is a must-see when we arrive in a city. Braga, of course, is not an exception. The monumental ensemble of the Cathedral is in the centre of the city (Dom Paio Mendes st.), very near to all the historical places of interest in a very compact area that can also be easily explored on foot. By the way, in the area, you can also find a variety of bars and restaurants to take a break in Braga.
On our arrival, the first think that catches our attention is the majesty of its exterior and the set of architecture styles of the temple, what leaves us thinking that we are facing the witness of the history of the city. We can highlight its great towers in Manueline style with their respective bell towers; and the Gothic, Manueline and Baroque elements that were incorporated over the centuries.
The church presents a three-nave building, transept and head with austere decoration along the lines of the Romanesque cathedrals. But once you get inside, there are a few elements that you cannot miss and that are a good reason to visit it:
· Choir: It can be accessed on a guided tour paying a separate entrance (€ 2 per adult and € 1 per child). You will be able to see the organs and the seating.
· Chapels: In the Chapel of the Kings (Capela dos Reis), considered the jewel of the Cathedral, you find the tombs of the parents of the first King of Portugal; Chapel of S. Geraldo, which dates from the 12th century and is covered in tiles; and the Chapel of the Glory (Capela da Glória), which dates from 14th century, whose interior was painted with Arabic geometric motifs during the 16th century.
· Braga Cathedral Treasure: Treausre-Museum, a fantastic collection of ecclesiastical pieces.
· Cloister: Original from the 19th century and built over a previous one, in the Gothic style.
Surely you will be interested to know more details. Without a doubt, to travel through the secrets of the Cathedral of Braga, the most suitable option is to join one of our tours that will give you a complete vision of the temple and the entire city.
As we were saying, the tour to Braga is the most appropriate option from Porto. Its 50 km (30 miles) away allow numerous daily combinations, both in organized visits and at private level.
Travel by train is the best way. Braga is connected to Porto through the local train network, which travel throughout the day. The train leaves the São Bento station in Porto (GPS 41.145593, -8.61029) and the trip takes 75 minutes, at a price of 6 euros.
You can as well get there by bus, with the Getbus company, on a trip of approximately 50 minutes and at a price of 8 euros.
Do not entertain doubts. Braga is worth it and if you decide to dedicate a day to discover its secrets, its monuments and its religious heritage headed by the Cathedral, the city is an extraordinary choice.
Do you want to know it in a different way? Our guides will show you the city in our Braga Tour in a fun and easy way. You will be more than just a tourist; you will become a traveller. Check it out! We are waiting for you.
