Day 6 - Thursday, October 24, 2024 - Braga and Guimaraes

We had a more relaxed morning and didn't have to leave until 9am.

It was about an hour drive to Braga, first stopping at Bom Jesus do Monte Cathedral on a mountain overlooking the city. The legend is that a cross was found there in the 1300s, before the presence of Christianity in the area and as a consequence, a chapel was built here and it become a site for pilgrimages. The cathedral was built in the 1700s and is now part of a large complex with hotels and beautiful gardens. The most striking aspect is the unusual area under the cross at the front of the church which has a 3-dimensional scene of the crucifixion with the women supporters and soldiers below Jesus and the two convicts.

Braga was first founded by the Romans in 16BC and was subsequently occupied by the Moors, barbarians,  and various European countries. After visiting the main cathedral dating back to the 12th century we had two hours to enjoy lunch and explore the historic part of the town.

Then to Guimaraes which is considered the birthplace of Portugal. King Denis, the first king of Portugal was born here and decided to become king here. He was the illegitimate son of French royalty and fought to become king of his own country. We had a very interesting pastry which doesn't use sugar but is sweetened with a special spaghetti squash specific to this area. It was surprisingly good.

Carmen the angel in Braga

Bom Jesus Cathedral







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