Braga + Guimarães – Portugal was born here

I recommend starting our tour at 9:00. Maybe it's too early for someone. But we are waiting for an exciting journey and you will not regret that you woke up half an hour earlier than usual.

First of all we will visit the ancient city of Braga, founded by the Celtic tribe Brakara. It was later occupied by the Romans, who made it the administrative center of Galicia and named it Bracara-Augusta (after Emperor Augustus). Centuries passed and the city became the site of a large archbishopric and religious capital of the country in the 11th century. Today it is a modern city in the northern region of Portugal with a young population, with a developed commercial and industrial infrastructure, a lively and delightful old center with many pedestrian streets. The main square, the Republic Square (Prasa da Republica) with fountains and arcades of buildings, connects the old and new city. Most of the attractions are within walking distance, including the old city churches (about three dozen) and the magnificent old cathedral (Se de Braga).

Then we head to one of the most famous sights of the country - Sanctuary of Christ on Calvary (Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte). A Neoclassical church built in 1811 sits at the top of a wonderful Baroque staircase.

The next place of our visit is the city of Guimarães, the capital of the ancient county of Portucale, where we will see the medieval fortress of St. Michael, founded in the 10th century, the palace of the 15th century Duke of Braganza Don Afonso. Now the palace is a museum, and its upper floor is the official northern residence of the President of Portugal.

At 17 o'clock we return to the hotel and you still have time to walk around the evening port.