Braga, Portugal

Braga, Portugal
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Avenida_Central_em_Braga.jpg
Author: Gabriele luvara


Braga is the third biggest city in Portugal. It is also the oldest city in the country and one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. Modern-day Braga is the capital of Braga district, on the northern part of Portugal. It is a city of 178,000 people (2011 estimate) and covers 184 sq km (71 sq mi).


Cathedral of Braga
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:S%C3%A9_de_Braga_%282%29.JPG
Author: Beria Lima


The city of Braga was established by the Bracari tribe some time during the Iron Age. It became the main town for the Bracari tribe who inhabited the area from northern Portugal to Galicia. During Roman times, the Romans founded the city of Bracara Augusta in the area, and named it in honor of Emperor Augustus.

During Braga's long history, it has been occupied by various forces. The Sueves, a Germanic people from Central Europe, conquered it and established a kingdom there in AD 410. Then it passed to the Visigoths in 584, the Moors in the 8th century, and was taken by King Ferdinand I of León and Castile, who became Emperor of Spain, in 1040. It became the residence of the Portuguese court in 1070.


Interior of the Interior of the Cathedral of Braga
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catedral_de_Braga_-_Interior.JPG
Author: Josep Renalias


The Portuguese Age of Discoveries some how bypassed Braga, benefitting other cities such as Lisbon, Évora and Coimbra. However, under Archbishop Diogo de Sousa, the city enjoyed improvements in its infrastructure, from the creation of new public squares to the widening of streets.

Today Braga has quite a number of tourist attractions from its long history, including numerous churches that are worth visiting.


Castelo Dona Chica, Braga
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Castelo_D._Chica_%2836%29.JPG
Author: José Goncalves

Going to Braga

You can take a train or bus from Lisbon or Porto to Braga. The Braga train station is a little outside the city center, so if you wish to go right to downtown Braga, the bus is probably a better option.


Garden of Nogueira da Silva Museum, Braga
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Museu_Nogueira_da_Silva_-_Jardim.JPG
Author: Joseolgon

Notesworthy Churches in Braga

Museums in Braga

Sights in Braga

Sights in the Outskirts of Braga

Nearby Towns

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