Tour Information
90 minutes
2.4 miles / 3.8 km
Discover the historical and religious heart of Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities, on this captivating walking tour. Start your journey at the Sé de Braga, the city's magnificent 12th-century cathedral, and explore the rich layers of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. From there, stroll through the historic center, passing by ancient Roman ruins, elegant Baroque palaces, and charming squares filled with local life.
Highlights include the grand Arco da Porta Nova, the peaceful Jardim de Santa Bárbara, and the beautiful Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, where a stunning baroque stairway leads to panoramic views of Braga. Along the way, experience Braga’s blend of ancient tradition and modern vibrancy as you explore the city’s rich history, religious significance, and cultural treasures.
Welcome to Voyage Owl’s tour of Braga, one of Portugal's oldest and most historically significant cities, often referred to as the 'Rome of Portugal' due to its rich religious heritage and numerous ch...
Stop 1
Our tour begins at the heart of Braga’s religious and historical identity: the Sé de Braga, or Braga Cathedral, one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in Portugal. Built in the 12th ...
Stop 2
Leaving the Sé de Braga, we head to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Arco da Porta Nova, a grand triumphal arch that serves as one of the main entrances to the Old Town. Built in 1772 duri...
Stop 3
After passing through the Arco da Porta Nova, we arrive at the bustling Rua do Souto, one of the main pedestrian streets in Braga’s historic center. Lined with charming cafés, shops, and historic buil...
Stop 4
Our next stop takes us to the Museu dos Biscainhos, a stunning Baroque palace that offers a glimpse into the aristocratic life of 18th-century Braga. Built in the 17th century, the Biscainhos Palace w...
Stop 5
Next, we make our way to one of Braga’s most famous and breathtaking landmarks: the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a pilgrimage site located just outside the city. The Bom Jesus do Monte is known fo...
Stop 6
From the Bom Jesus do Monte, we continue to another important religious site just a short distance away: the Santuário do Sameiro, or Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro. Built in the 19th century, the S...
Stop 7
Returning to the city center, our next stop is the Jardim de Santa Bárbara, one of Braga’s most charming public gardens. Located next to the Archbishop’s Palace, this beautifully manicured garden is a...
Stop 8
No visit to Braga would be complete without exploring its ancient Roman past. As the city was originally founded as Bracara Augusta by the Romans in the 1st century BC, several important Roman ruins c...
Our walking tour of Braga has taken you through centuries of history, from its origins as the Roman city of Bracara Augusta to its role as a medieval ecclesiastical capital and its transformation into...