Braga

In the heart of the green and fertile province of Minho, the district of Braga stretches from the sea inland, with a wooded scenery that ondulates in gentle hills and valleys.

The city of Braga, perhaps Portugal's main religious centre, is known for its barroque churches, splendid 18th-century houses and elaborate gardens and parks. The old city is solemn and antique, but industry and commerce have brought to it a lively style of life, with its universities, modern neighbourhoods, bars and restaurants.

Not far, the city of Guimarães, known as «the birthplace of the nation», is a place to visit, with its proud castle and well-preserved medieval quarter, while Citânia de Briteiros is an impressive archaeological site of the Iron Age.

The city of Barcelos is known for its ceramics and animated weekly market, the largest in the region.

On the coast, Esposende, Ofir and Apúlia are beautiful wild-looking beaches.

The whole district is famous for its popular festivals and processions and for the local gastronomy, with many and varied original recipes.

Isabel Joyce

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City maps
Barcelos, Braga, Braga Centre, Esposende, Fafe, Guimarães, Guimarães: Centre, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Vila Nova de Famalicão (centre), Vizela