Things to do in Braga (São José de São Lázaro e São João do Souto)

About Braga (São José de São Lázaro e São João do Souto)

Braga serves as the religious heart of Portugal and is one of the oldest Christian cities in the world, tracing its urban roots back to the Roman city of Bracara Augusta. The city architecture is defined by a dense collection of baroque churches, most notably the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte and the historic Santa Maria de Braga Cathedral. Public life centers around the verdant spaces of the Santa Barbara Garden and the central hub near the Chafariz da Praça da República. It remains a major university city, blending ancient ecclesiastical prestige with a youthful, contemporary academic atmosphere.

Good to know

1. 1

   Braga is home to the oldest cathedral in Portugal, predating the formation of the nation itself.

2. 2

   The city celebrates the 'Semana Santa' (Holy Week), which is arguably the most significant religious observation in Portugal, featuring unique Roman-influenced processions.

3. 3

   Braga was the capital of the Gallaecia province during the Roman Empire, making it a critical administrative center in the Iberian Peninsula.

4. 4

   It holds one of the highest concentrations of churches per capita in Portugal, historically earning it the moniker 'Portuguese Rome'.

5. 5

   The local football stadium, Braga Municipal Stadium, is carved directly into the face of a former granite quarry.