Things to do in  Braga

The Braga Cathedral is not only the oldest surviving church in Portugal but also a significant national monument. Constructed from the 11th through the 13th century, the cathedral inspired the architectural style of other churches and monasteries built around the same period. Modifications over centuries resulted in a blend of styles in the cathedral, including Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque.

Built in the 10th century to defend the city of Guimarães against attacks from the Moors and Normans, Guimarães Castle is a perfectly preserved example of military architecture. The castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features turrets and towers reminiscent of fairy-tale castles.

Peneda-Gerês National Park (Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês) is Portugal’s only national park, stretching through the northern districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Vila Real. Largely uninhabited, the vast highlands are ideal for hiking, with rugged mountain ridges, dense pine forests, and sweeping plateaus.

Nestled up against the Minho River on the northern border between Portugal and Spain, Valença do Minho is a medieval hilltop town and one of the oldest settlements in Portugal. It’s famous for its fortress and walled old town.

Behind its comparatively stark Gothic facade, the Church of São Francisco(Igreja de São Francisco) harbors a trove of baroque finery: The interior has marble columns, intricate wooden carvings, and gold-covered walls. Highlights include the magnificent Tree of Jesse altarpiece, a 13th-century statue of Saint Francis, and eerily beautiful catacombs.

Guimarães is considered the birthplace of Portugal, because the country’s first king—Afonso Henriques—was born there. An authentic example of the evolution of a medieval town into a modern city, Guimarães’ historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that makes for a fascinating day trip from Porto.

History and modernity mingle harmoniously in Viana do Castelo, a quieter riverside alternative to Guimarães or Braga. Highlights of this seafood-rich city just outside Porto include the neo-Byzantine Santuário de Santa Luzia, a contemporary marina, a medieval downtown, and proximity to some of the region’s best beaches.

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, standing tall in Largo da Oliveira, resembles a regal castle with a stone-brick façade and crenelated clock tower. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a striking 18th-century altarpiece and the striking silver altar of the Capela do Santíssimo Sacramento, along with exquisite neo-classical choir stalls. However, the church's true claim to fame lies in its fascinating history.

Barcelos is known as the birthplace of Portugal’s unofficial symbol—the Rooster of Barcelos (Galo de Barcelos). You’ll find ceramic versions of the rooster throughout the city, celebrating its legend and the city’s heritage as a home for artisans. Many travelers come to Barcelos on half-day and full-day trips from Porto or Braga to see the medieval architecture and visit handicraft centers and street markets.

Crowning a hill bordering Portugal’s city of Braga, the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is a magnificent neoclassical church and Christian pilgrimage site. The 18th-century church is approached by a remarkable baroque staircase zig-zagging up to the entrance.