Four Days of Discovery

We land in Porto airport under a cloudy sky. Ann, our friendly guide and owner of Wandelen in Braga who organized our short break as a couple, drives us to Braga. If you like to get off the beaten track, Ann offers different circuits to discover Braga and the North of Portugal by walking. On the road, the sky clears to make way for the sun. I can’t wait to arrive at the hotel, drop off my bags and discover the famous Braga Augusta. With more than 2000 years of history, the city is experiencing strong development again.

What a pleasant surprise when entering our attic room, of the charming and intimate Porta Nova Collection House (photo montage “The Hotel” below)! The hotel is located in the historic center of Braga, in a renovated old building. Its decoration is contemporary and comfortable. On its terrace, you can sip a coffee or eat, admiring the architecture around.

                             The Trip In Pictures

The Hotel:

Day 1:

After Having a Salad

At the Pecado da Sé (photo 6), we visit Sé de Braga (the Cathedral of Braga), the oldest cathedral in Portugal which dates back to the 12th century. Lots to see (photos 1, 2 and 3): really impressive! We continue the visit with the Tesouro-Museu da Sé (the Cathedral Treasure Museum), where precious religious objects are exhibited. In the museum shop, I discover the figurines of the “farricocos” (photo 5): these barefoot men, dressed in black tunics during Holy Week.

A quick stop at the bookstore – café: 100ª Página, located in the Casa do Rolão, a listed Baroque-style residence dating from the 18th century. I am delighted to have a drink in the shaded garden. Last stop of this first day, the Zet Gallery for my shot of contemporary art (photo above). On the way I noticed some interesting street art.

Day 2:

I Like To Walk Early In The Morning,

at the markets. Through the products and the way they are presented, I learn more about the culture, traditions and people of the country. I am also very surprised to see a work by the Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos near the pretty municipal covered market, of a rare cleanliness (photos 1 and 2). There is a space reserved for individuals who sell what they grow in their garden, I wonder if this exists elsewhere. If you are more into independent cinema, emerging art and confidential concerts, check out the programming of Gnration, a creative space with modern architecture (photo 3). We walk from one place to another, discovering small streets, churches and gardens…

Finally, we have lunch at the oldest pastry shop in Braga, the Doçaria São Vicente which has a wide variety of different Portuguese cakes. The staff is super nice. The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the famous Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a sacred site whose first pilgrimages date back to the 14th century. We decide to climb the baroque style stairs : 573 steps (photo 4). After a short drive, we arrive at the Nossa Senhora do Sameiro Sanctuary, where we climb flights of stairs in the dome of the huge church, to discover a 180 degree view of Braga and its region. In the evening, we dine on the terrace of the O Gato do Rio restaurant, where I enjoy this delicious starter, made with fresh fish (photo below).

Day 3:

From The Braga City Center To Tibães

This morning, we walk around the centre of Braga where we visit three churches, including a very modern wooden one:  Capela Árvore da vida which is located in a seminary and designed by the architects André and António Cerejeira and the sculptor Asbjorn Andresen. In the courtyard of the seminary, you can see ruins (photo 1). A stone’s throw away, we visit the Museo PIO XII which presents both religious art and Portuguese painters. Then we take the car to the contemporary art gallery, Galeria Mario Sequeira: the site is inspiring. I really liked how the works are scattered in this large garden. Art blends harmoniously with nature (photo at the beginning of the article, as well as photo 2).

We hit the road again to have lunch at the Churrasqueira Martins, a barbecue restaurant in Tibães. The food is simple but my grilled chicken and salad are good (photo 3). Then we visit the Mosteiro de Tibães (the Monastery of Tibães): my best surprise of this trip! This monastery is huge with a beautiful architecture and vineyards on a large estate also including century-old trees. Little known to tourists, it is a place that encourages contemplation (photo 4). I advise you to take the time to visit both the interiors and exteriors, with the monastery guide who is inexhaustible on Portuguese history.

Day 4:

A Short Day Trip To The Atlantic Ocean

For our last day in Braga, Ann offered to show us around Braga region. Heading towards the Ocean, with a first stop in Viana do Castelo, to have lunch of a delicious grilled fish, at the Maraberto restaurant, ideally located in the fishing port (photo 1 and 2). It had been a long time since I had been back to Viana do Castelo (photo 3)!

After lunch, we hit the road again for Esposende, a seaside resort in the Braga district, in the north of Portugal. Endless sandy beaches, icy water, but there are waves, it warms you up! I didn’t try to walk around the city, all my attention is fixed on the reflections of the sun shimmering on the surface of the water. I even forget the strong wind. Our day of relaxation, sitting comfortably in a beach bar.

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations 

www.wandeleninbraga.be,  www.nefelibata.eu & Braga Tourism Office

Many thanks to Ann of Wanderleninbraga for this beautiful invitation and to Braga Tourism Board. As always, these are my opinions.