Although its construction dates back to the Roman presence in the region, Braga is today the 3rd largest in Portugal and is also one of the most avant-garde. It is the capital of a district with around 200 thousand inhabitants and distinguished as European Youth Capital (2012) and Best European Destination (2021). It also has the recognition of Bom Jesus do Monte as a World Heritage Site (UNESCO 2019).
Among the Portuguese, it is referred to as the city most deeply rooted in Catholic traditions, justified by the Iberian dominance of its archbishopric for centuries. Here we find the oldest cathedral in Portugal (XI) and three important pilgrimage sanctuaries in the mountain range next to the urban perimeter. They are part of the more than 150 religious buildings present in the city!
When it comes to the city's architecture, it has undergone numerous changes over time. Currently, the Baroque style is very present in the facades and ornamentation of religious buildings, and it is fair to recognize the adaptive capacity that the "new" city has in fusing with the historical and natural parts.
With a foundation that dates back to the ancient Roman Empire - Bracara Augusta (1st BC) - it was designed in an octagonal construction of around 29ha. The surrounding areas were also destined for "indigenous", military personnel and emigrants who wished to live there. With this, Emperor Augustus promoted the rapid rise of the city, making it an important hub for commercial exchange. Various buildings (some still visible today) began to take shape - Temples, Baths, Amphitheaters... - until the arrival of the Suebi (VIII AD) and Moors (VIII AD) would radically alter the ordered structure of the territory.
With the definitive Christian reconquest (XI AD) Braga became the regional epicenter of Christianity. It was administered by the clergy between the 12th and 18th centuries, which resulted in an unparalleled cultural, economic and architectural reorganization. It currently maintains ecclesiastical power as an archbishop's seat with influence in 551 parishes (around 1 million people).
