https://www.trip.com/moments/detail/braga-1873-120195985
JamesonBrennan28

What's the point of coming to Portugal if you don't visit Braga? Although it's already 7pm, the sun is still shining brightly

Jose says the sun doesn't set until 9:30pm. The location of the hotel is excellent, located in the center of the old town. Jose took me around, explaining as we went. His English is really poor, hard to understand, and I struggled to keep up. He was very enthusiastic, constantly talking, and I could only pretend to understand. This place has been ruled by the Moors, Romans, Arabs, and Spaniards. The numerous historical relics show that it indeed has a deep cultural heritage. Braga is the religious center of Portugal, where the archbishops live. There is a religious festival every May, attracting many Portuguese and Spaniards. Jose says he doesn't really believe in religion, it's just a part of the culture here. He thanks religion for bringing him business, especially during festivals when he can sell a lot of products. We visited the Braga Cathedral, Braga Castle, Church of the Holy Cross, and Braga Cemetery. But since it was Sunday, we could only look from the outside, admiring these old buildings. That was enough. After touring the city, Jose asked me to get in the car, saying we were going to the most beautiful place. We drove out of the city and up the mountain. The mountain road was winding, but Jose drove fast, saying this was his territory and he knew it well. His new Mercedes was a pleasure to drive. It's a pity you didn't come yesterday, he said, I had booked a table at the top of the mountain. That's the best restaurant in Braga, with a great view. But it's closed on Sundays. We arrived at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte halfway up the mountain. It was really beautiful. You can overlook the whole city from here, and behind us was a fairy-tale-like fountain, a small chapel, and a 116-meter zigzag Baroque staircase. We climbed up the stairs, and Jose said that pilgrims would kneel and worship as they ascended. There were three rows of neatly arranged statues of gods, with a special row in the middle. The base of the statues had fountains. The spring water flowed out from the mouths, ears, or the pots they were holding. We put our hands in the pool, and the spring water was cool to the bone. At the top was a church. Jose explained the history of the building and some of the sculptures. Not understanding Catholicism, it was hard to understand what he was talking about. We just went to appreciate the beauty of the architecture and sculptures, and feel the charm of religion. He said he was very happy to have a friend come to Braga specifically. His foreign friends who come to Portugal usually go to Lisbon and Porto first, and don't often come to Braga. He expressed dissatisfaction. What's so special about Lisbon? What's the point of coming to Portugal if you don't visit Braga? Indeed, these beautiful relics are his pride and joy, and he has every right to look down on the big cities in the south. The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte on the mountain
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Posted: Feb 20, 2024
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Bom Jesus do Monte

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