Founded in the 11th century, Braga Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in the country, predating even the founding of Portugal as a nation. It was commissioned by Dom Henrique and Dona Teresa, the parents of Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king. The tombs of these royals can be found inside the cathedral, in the Chapel of the Kings. Built on the site of an earlier Visigothic (and likely Roman) place of worship, the cathedral’s architecture reflects the evolution of styles over almost 1000 years, from Romanesque to Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, and Baroque.
The earliest parts of the cathedral date to the late 11th and early 12th centuries, during the height of the Romanesque period. These sections are characterised by thick walls, rounded arches, and a fortress-like presence. Several side chapels with distinctly Gothic elements such as ribbed vaults and pointed arches were added later, especially during the 14th and 15th centuries. During the 17th and 18th centuries, elaborate Baroque details were introduced, particularly in the main altarpiece, the choir stalls, and the organ lofts. The cathedral has two robust towers flanking the façade, one of which was modified in the Baroque style, while the other retains a more medieval appearance.
Founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, Braga is one of Portugal's oldest and most significant cities, located in the northern Minho region just a short drive from Porto. Our private half-day excursion is a great way to peel back the layers of history in the company of a knowledgeable local driver-guide, unearthing hidden details of key landmarks including the incredible Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Braga Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal, and the gorgeous Santa Barbara Garden.
On this 4-hour driving tour, you will:
Go beyond Porto and journey north to discover the spiritual heart of Portugal on this enriching half-day private excursion to Braga. Your day begins with a comfortable hotel pick-up, where your experienced local guide welcomes you aboard a modern vehicle for the scenic drive through the Minho countryside. Your first stop is the awe-inspiring Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Perched high above the city, its magnificent Baroque staircase, serene chapels, and sweeping views offer a moment of reflection and admiration. As you climb its almost 600 steps, constructed in an elaborate zigzag pattern, your guide can point out the intricate details of the chapels, fountains and statues that line the route and explain what they are meant to symbolise.
Then it will be time to venture into the heart of Braga. Once in the historic centre, your guide will lead you on an engaging walking tour through Braga’s charming streets, explaining intriguing details of Braga’s past and present. As one of Portugal’s oldest cities, Braga offers a unique blend of ancient Roman heritage and ornate Christian monuments, infused with a dash of youthful vitality, thanks to its notably lower-than-average age compared to other European cities. You will meander past elegant squares, graceful arcades, and centuries-old facades before arriving at the picture-perfect Santa Bárbara Garden. Set beside medieval ruins, with delightful floral displays that change with the seasons, this romantic garden bursts with colour and is a peaceful oasis within the city.
You’ll then have the chance to enjoy some free time to wander at your own pace, perhaps browsing local boutiques or sampling a sweet pastry in one of the city’s inviting cafés. Your visit concludes with a guided tour of Braga Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal. You will learn that this historic place of worship was established several decades before the founding of the country itself (when the area still formed part of the Kingdom of Leon) and consecrated back in 1089. Your guide can also show you how the layers of Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish and Baroque architecture tell the story of the nation’s spiritual roots. With its ornate chapels and striking details, the cathedral offers a fitting finale to your day in Braga before you return to Porto, enriched by the beauty and history of one of Portugal’s most sacred cities.
Just north of Porto, you can find the Minho region, a small but mighty corner of Portugal home to some of the most historically significant cities in the entire country. Braga and Guimarães in particular have long and rich histories going back over 1000 years and played a crucial role in the establishment of Portugal as an independent country. Our fascinating private day trip from Porto allows you to visit both cities with a knowledgeable driver-guide who will spend the day telling the story of Portugal through some of its most important monuments.
On this full-day driving tour, you will:
Spend a full day immersed in the captivating early history of Portugal as you travel through two of the country’s most storied cities: Braga and Guimarães. With hotel pick-up in Porto and the expert company of a knowledgeable driver-guide, the first stop on your journey through the centuries is the spectacular Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set atop a lush hillside with panoramic views and a monumental Baroque staircase that has drawn pilgrims for generations. From there, you will make your way into the heart of Braga, a city shaped by its Roman roots and longstanding religious influence. On a guided walk through the historic centre, you'll pass landmarks such as the elegant Santa Barbara Garden and visit Braga Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal and a masterpiece of architectural evolution.. After taking in the sights, you will have the chance to experience Minho's distinctive gastronomy as you enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time to further explore Braga’s lively streets and vibrant café culture.
In the afternoon, the journey continues to Guimarães, often called the “cradle of the nation.” As you approach the city, your guide will set the stage with the dramatic story of Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king, who led the charge for independence right here in the 12th century. You’ll step inside the imposing Guimarães Castle, a national symbol of resilience and identity, before heading downhill to the beautifully preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right. You will stroll through granite-paved lanes and elegant medieval squares like the colourful Praça São Tiago and Largo da Oliveira, where the historic Church of Nossa Senhora de Oliveira stands as a quiet witness to centuries of change. You’ll also have free time to soak in the atmosphere, browse artisan shops, or sip a coffee under the shade of stone arcades before returning comfortably to your hotel in Porto.
This full-day trip offers a comprehensive introduction to the roots of Portuguese nationhood, culture, and architectural heritage. It is an ideal option for travellers wanting a deep dive into the people and places that shaped Portugal’s past, whose impact can still be felt today.
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