Municipality of Braga, Northern Portugal

Tourism
Braga Municipality


Portugal > Tourism > North > Accommodation > Braga Municipality

Municipality I City of Braga I Accommodation I

In the heart of the green and fertile province of Minho, the district of Braga stretches from the sea inland, with a wooded scenery that ondulates in gentle hills and valleys.
The city of Braga, perhaps Portugal´s main religious centre, is known for its barroque churches, splendid 18th century houses and elaborate gardens and parks. The old city is solemn and antique, but industry and commerce have brought to it a lively style of life, with its universities, modern neighbourhoods, bars and restaurants.

Places of Interset

Guimarães
With its historical center declared recently a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Guimarães adds this mark of honour to another title it displays by right, that of birthplace of the nation. Its proud and dominating castle was where Portugal´s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born in the 12th century. The newly distinguished historical center is extremely well preserved and the narrow streets of the Medieval quarter are lined with old houses embellished by ornate balconies and statuary, leading to the beautiful main square, the Largo da Oliveira.

Barcelos
A small city overlooking the river Cávado, is famous for its pottery and ceramics, specially the tradicional Barcelos cock which became a portuguese national symbol. The main attraction of Barcelos is its huge weekly market where visitors can buy almost anything, from the legendary clay cock to all sorts of other crafts (pottery, ceramics, wicker baskets, embroidery and lace, etc.), clothes, furniture or even cattle.

Esposende
Flanked by lush-green pine forests, Esposende is an old fishing village with some fine old buildings and airy town squares. Boasting an idyllic setting on the estuary of the River Cávado, it is a popular resort town for the people of Northern Portugal, who take full advantage of the area's excellent bathing conditions during the summer months. Worth seeing also are the ruins of the 18th-century fortress, while the town's parish church of the Misericórdia was built in the 16th century. The chapel of Our Lord of the Navigators has impressive ornate paintings and gilt carvings.

Citânia de Briteiros
The archaelogical ruins at Briteiros are the real proof of the existence of an important primitive site, of pre-Roman origin, belowing to the general kind of so-called "castros" of northwestern Portugal. They show beyond any doubt specific characteristics of celtic culture although strongly influenced by Rome in the beginning of the Christian Era. The numerous buildings of various kinds which seem distribuited at random but which, however, obey to an urbanistic plan, although primitive, give us an impressive and very objective view of the daily life of that ancient people living high on the mountains but protecting themselves in spite of it with several rows of walls. A whole collection of objects of personal use which can be seen at the Museum of the Sociedade Martins Sarmento at Guimares.

Accommodation

Hotel Bagoeira
Recently built this delightful hotel offers its guests comfortable accommodation and friendly service as well as a good range of amenities including a car park, garage, elevator, safe, bar and breakfast room.

All 54 guest rooms are pleasant and well equipped with private bath, hairdryer, baby cot, modem connection, safe, satellite TV, direct-dial phone and balcony.

Pousada Santa Marinha
Near the historical centre of Guimarães, set on a hill overlooking the city, we find the majestic Santa Marinha Pousada, one of the country´s most sumptuous pousadas, the 17th century Augustin convent, which after being rebuilt and restored, received the National Architectural Prize in 1985.

Pousada Nossa Senhora da Oliveira
Guimarães Pousada is located in the medieval historical centre of Guimarães, traditionally known as the “birthplace of the Portuguese nation”.

This Pousada is part of the liveliness of the city, helping to reflect its century old traditions. Staying at this Pousada and walking through the narrow streets that lead to the castle and to the Palace of the Dukes, is like discovering the history of Portugal.

Pousada Santa Maria do Bouro
Between the city of Braga and the Gerês mountain range, stands Sta. Maria do Bouro Pousada, the result of the restoration of a former Cistercian Monastery, one of the most characteristic of that period in Portugal. In accordance with the monastic severity, but with a comfortable and modern decoration, this Pousada is an absolute must to discover the cultural sites of Minho.


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Braga Municipality
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