Braga is a city in the Cávado Valley of Northern Portugal. It is the fifth largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, Porto, Amadora and Vila Nova de Gaia. It is an ancient and modern city and one of the most important Archdiocese.Braga boasts many narrow pedestrian streets, plazas, and spiritual pilgrimage destinations. Visit any or all of the city’s famed cathedrals, including a hillside religious retreat and its recognizable Baroque staircase. Braga transforms after the sun goes down, when students from the nearby university flood the town’s bars and cafes.The city’s principal landmarks include a 12th-century cathedral, rebuilt during the 16th century in the blend of Moorish and florid Gothic styles known as Manueline; the 17th-century church of Santa Cruz; and a library that contains many rare books and manuscripts. On a hill about 3 miles (5 km) southeast stands the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, which is visited on Pentecost by thousands of pilgrims and is famous for its 18th-century architectural staircase. A short distance beyond it is Mount Sameiro, atop which is situated a colossal statue of the Virgin Mary.
