Often referred to as Portugal's 'Rome', Braga dates back to Celtic times and was an important Roman settlement.
The ecclesiastical feel is emphasized by the town's main sites: The ornate Baroque church of Bom Jesus do Monte, 5km outside the center is still an important pilgrimage site; the sprawling Sé in the historic center of town is the oldest cathedral in Portugal; the huge, elaborate, medieval Archbishop's Palace.
A number of historic mansions are scattered around the town often serving as museums, such as the Palácio dos Biscaínhos, which houses a fine art collection.
Braga has been modernizing in recent years as it grows as a commercial and fashion center and there is concern over the balance between conservation of Braga's unique heritage and the need for economic development.
At Easter the town plays host eerie religious processions and the colorful Festas de São João (June 23-24) and the festival of gigantones - giant carnival figures - (June 18-20) will add some excitement for fans at Euro2004.
Braga is not without good bars, restaurants and clubs and the Bracalandia theme park on the road to Bom Jesus is good for the kids.
Within easy reach of the city is the pleasant coastal resort of Viana do Castelo and the beautiful Minho valley.
Igrega de S. Paulo, BragaCorner of Praça da República/Avenida da Liberdade (tel. 253 262 550)
11-14 trains daily make the 1 hour - 1 hour 45 min-run between Braga and Porto sometimes changing at Nine; EUR 6 in 2nd class. 8-11 trains daily on the 5-hour 30 min run from Lisbon to Braga. EUR 22.50 in 1st class, EUR 15.50 in 2nd class.
Around an hour by car from Porto on the Spain Auto-Estrada.
Bus Station in Praça da República.
Six buses a day make the 2 hours 40 minute journey between Braga
and Coimbra.
Buses to Porto are every 30 minutes and take 70 minutes. There are
8-11 buses daily to Lisbon (5 hours 30 mins.)
Comfort Inn, Braga, 2 Star hotel, 70 rooms, satellite TV, ensuite bath.
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A Ceia
Rua do Raoi 331
Locals' favorite with steaks & roast chicken
Tel. 253 263 932, closed Monday.
Café Astória
Praça da República
Genteel old coffee house; unrelated disco upstairs.
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Baba de Camelo
Rua Cónego Rafael Álvares da Costa, 26 - 1
10pm-2am.
Local
football teamSporting Clube de Braga
Stadium name: Braga Municipal
Stadium seats 30,000 and was newly constructed for Euro2004.
The average high June temperature for Portugal is between 22C and 26C.
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PortugalVisitor.com - Your Guide to Portugal & Madeira