Braga is often referred to as the Rome of Portugal for its long history and deeply religious roots.
With a population of barely 70,000, the sizeable city has a relaxed feel about it engendered by its picturesque squares and fountains. The capital of the Minho area of the north, it is an active industrial centre with leather and textile production as well as being a mjaor engineeting base.
ACCOMODATION:
The city has been picking up in recent years as a tourist attraction and now boasts a pleasant range of hotels. The Avenida Central has plenty of good value accommodation along it while closer to the cathedral, it is more expensive to stay.
PLACES OF INTEREST:
Cathedral: As befits a religious city, the cathedral is one of the city's star attractions and the Romanesque building also boasts extensive courtyards and cloisters. A guide will take you round the choir stalls and secret chapels.
Avenida Liberdade: This is the main shopping thoroughfare and leads up to the main square. The cafes that border the area are always popular, especially at night when the huge fountain is lit up in a variety of colours.
Bom Jesus: Situated four miles to the east of the city is a spectacular sanctuary with a huge church built high on a hillside to which thousands of pilgrims come each year. It boasts a spectacular view of the city.
LOCAL DELICACIES:
Many varities of fish are popular with cod and trout the most prevalent. The most famous dish of the Minho is caldo verde, a stew consisting of mashed potatoes, finely shredded green cabbage (which gives the meal its name) and olive oil and black pudding.
TO THE STADIUM:
The brand new Braga Municipal Stadium seats 30,000 and received a special opening just before Christmas 2003. Located on the Monte Castro hillside, one of the highest spots of the city, facing the Cavado river valley in the north-east of the city.
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