Braga, Portugal
We are located in the little parish of Sao Juliao Dos Passos with less than 1000 inhabitants. Braga Centre is only 7kms away, just a 15-minute drive. A bus stop directly to Braga Centre is only 170 meters or a 3-minute walk away. As with every parish in the Minho, there are large community festivals held every year. Ours at S. Juliao occurs two weeks after easter.
Braga is over 2000 years old and one of Portugal's oldest cities. It is the third-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and Porto. First founded by the Iron Age Bracari people in 300BC (hence the name) before falling into Roman hands in 16BC and named “Bracara Augusta” in honour of the emperor Cesar Augusto.
Even though Braga is the third-largest city of Portugal, it does not have a hectic pace or crowded atmosphere and is a joy to explore. As an important city, Braga has the services, choices and nightlife of a major city. The city centre is a pleasing place of wide boulevards and traffic-free streets and squares and it’s easy to spend a day or so idling around and drinking coffee in its beautiful cafés.
This captivating city is filled with ornate churches (35 precisely; confirmed every hour when a symphony of different bells pleasantly ring-out.), grand architecture, and pretty gardens, along with an abundance of Portuguese charm.
The city has two main gardens. The Jardim da Avenida Central and the Jardim de Santa Bárbara, while each of the main plazas (Largo de Santa Cruz, Largo São João do Souto and the Praça Conde de Agrolongo) have its own unique style and character. Braga also has a labyrinth of narrow streets, each one concealing historic sights, excellent restaurants, unique monuments or traditional family-run businesses. This is a great destination to explore on foot and simply get lost in.
The Bom Jesus do Monte will be a highlight of any visit to Braga, and should definitely be visited as part of a day trip. The church stands at the top of a hill and the much-photographed baroque stairways is said to signify the ascent to heaven. Peppered with grottoes, small chapels, gardens, sculptures and ornate fountains. From the summit of the Bom Jesus hill, there are great views over Braga, and the surrounding park offers relaxed forested walks. For those not up for the steep hike up to the church, there is the world’s oldest water-powered funicular to ferry you up to the mount!
During Semana Santa (Holy Week), Braga is the scene of major celebrations which reach a climax in the three days before Easter Sunday, when local priests bless each house with a crucifix and holy water, while torchlit processions of hooded penitents known as farricocos parade by, spinning large rattles. Festas de São João (June 23–24), which is preceded by a festival of gigantones (giant carnival figures; from June 18–20).
In the last weekend of May is an event that recreates the Roman era, with a period market, a military camp, parades and traditional cuisine. During the 6-day festival, the city centres' streets and squares are filled with stalls selling all manner of produce, crafts, beverages and food. Each main square has events with concerts, theatrical productions and games. Costumed professionals roam the streets to add to the festive atmosphere all culminating in a massive parade.
When visiting you have to try "Bacalhau à Braga" Portugal is known for its codfish and Braga is one of the cities that does it best. This dish includes all of Portugals favourite things: codfish, potato chips/fries, olive oil, and onions. What could be better?
Suggestions if you arrive early:
Many guests will arrive before the designated check-in time. The good news is that there is plenty to do. We often suggest that guests visit the grocery store and do a small shop. That will give you more time to relax once you've checked in. There are also a few good restaurants for lunch so why not relax and enjoy some of the local food!
There is a good sized grocery store 3kms away called "Novo Super - Sequeira"
Gastronomical recommendations:
For breakfast closer to our home we would absolutely recommend “Montalegrense 3”. It is located only 3kms away and features a great variety of sweets, bread and small bites.
There are several breakfast options available in Bragas city centre as well such as:
Frigideiras Do Cantinho - This is Braga's oldest restaurant/cafe founded in 1796. Frigidieras are a meat-filled pie. A regional delicacy still made the traditional way. You can also find numerous other traditional sweets such as sameirinhos, tibias and convent sweets. In 1996 during a remodelling effort, an ancient Roman Domus (House) was found beneath the foundations. A glass floor was installed to showcase this era of history for all to see.
Colinatrum Café - A beautifully modern cafe, perched high up on a hill. For those looking for a continental style breakfast, this is the place to go.
Cafe A Brasileira - A cultural landmark in Braga. A Brasileira first opened its doors in 1907. Made popular by its owner who offered a free coffee to whoever bought a kilo's worth. A long-time meeting spot for locals young and old. Very popular and beautifully decorated.
They are endless options for dining in the area but if you are looking for something close “Abc Dos Grelhados” can not be beaten. Located only 230 meters or a 3 minute walk from our property. Famous Portuguese BBQ chicken and great value.
Another restaurant very close to home is “Soares dos Leitoes” located only 850 meters away. They specialize in Leitao (suckling pig) made the traditional way in wood-fired ovens.
For higher class dining we could not recommend enough “Centurium.” This restaurant is located in the heart of Braga right in the main Praça de Republica. The building has had a long history and is the site of an ancient Roman Well. For the quality of food and price, this restaurant cannot be beaten.
Our other recommendations inlcude:
Restaurants:
Colinatrum Café
Restaurante Casa De Pasto Das Carvalheiras
BRAC
Boards, Glasses & Other Scenes
Retrokitchen
Dona Julia
Café Vianna
SilvasFerreira Restaurant
Capa
Regional Winery of Tenões
Forever Braga
Ana So Gourmet & Tea Room
Cafe Imperial 1
Old Times Tavern
Restaurante Pecado da Sé
Restaurante Cozinha da Sé, Lda
The Cheesecake Story
Restaurante Cop e Meio
Taberna Do Félix
Sé La Vie
Studio 22
Mercado da Saudade
Dona Petisca
Taberna Dazeiras
Domus Vinum - Wine Bar & Tapas
Casainha - Boutique Café
Spirito Cupcakes & Coffee
Nightlife:
Gin Lovers - Champagne & Gin Club
SETRA
Mal Amado
Manuel dos Vinhos
Subura Bar
Mavy
Sightseeing:
SameiroBom
Jesus do Monte
Monastery of São Martinho de Tibães
Mamoa de Lamas
Fountain of the Idol
Theatre Circus
Shopping:
Big Choice Bottle
Casa das Bananas
Arcádia Casa do Chocolate (Braga) lol
