Braga District: Editor's Choice

This selection highlights the architectural and historical heritage of the Braga District, centered around its religious and medieval landmarks. It features the UNESCO-listed Bom Jesus do Monte with its 19th-century water-balanced funicular and the 11th-century Braga Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal. The list includes the medieval Guimarães Castle, known as the cradle of the nation, and the pre-Romanesque Chapel of São Frutuoso. Visitors can also explore Roman relics at the Fonte do Ídolo and the legendary Ponte da Misarela.

Braga District: Editor's Choice — Map

yuka HAYASHI / CC BY 2.0

A

Bom Jesús do Monte

A beautiful hill-top sanctuary with a peculiar zigzag-shaped stairway leading to it, adorned with gorgeous fountains.

Petr Koutný / CC-BY-SA

B

Elevador do Bom Jesus do Monte

The oldest funicular in the world still using a water-balance counterweight system. Opened in 1882, it transports visitors up the 116-meter slope to the Bom Jesus sanctuary.

jad99 / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Braga Cathedral

Historically, this church is one of the most important buildings in Braga, if not in the country.

sarahkassim / CC BY 2.0

D

Guimarães Castle

The Castle of Guimarães, is the principal medieval castle in the municipality Guimarães, in the northern region of Portugal.

João Carvalho / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Chapel of São Frutuoso

The Chapel of São Frutuoso, also known as the Chapel of São Frutuoso of Montélios or the Chapel of São Salvador of Montélios, is a pre…

Sara silva / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Arco da Porta Nova

The Arch of the New Gate is a Baroque and Neoclassical arch, designed by André Soares in the late 18th century, in the civil parish of Sé,…

Nuno Lopes / CC-BY-SA

G

Ponte da Misarela

A medieval granite bridge crossing the Rabagão River. Associated with local legends, this single-arch structure dates back to the Middle Ages and was strategically significant during the Napoleonic invasions.

Joseolgon / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Fonte do Ídolo

A 1st-century Roman fountain and sanctuary carved into granite. It contains inscriptions and relief figures dedicated to the Lusitanian-Roman deities Tongoenabiagus and Nabia.

José Antonio Gil Martínez / CC BY 2.0

I

Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro

The Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro, shortened to Monastery of Pombeiro, is a monastery in the civil parish of Pombeiro de Ribavizela,…

Other Lists

Braga District Essentials Hidden Gems of Braga District Historic Sites in Braga District Religious Landmarks Parks and Gardens Best Viewpoints in Braga