Spain & Portugal – Braga – The Travelling Watson's

Braga from the cathedral bell tower.

Braga is a city inland of Porto and reputed to be quite lovely. The big ticket item is Bom Jesus, a cathedral complex on top of a mountain with beautiful gardens and views over the city so it was first on our list. It is a city with old churches everywhere but we kept it down to three.

The way to the top is via either 600 stairs or a funicular. This one happens to have been built in 1880, still running by the same method, and is powered by water. Its called water balancing, where water is loaded into the car at the top of the hill, weighing it down so it descends to the bottom of the hill and pulling the second water empty car up the hill. It was fascinating to watch.

The top car being filled with water, about 5,850 litres.

Once on top of the hill you are struck by the expanse of lovely gardens and spacious areas.

The alternative stairs.

A very rare sculpture carefully protected in one of the outside chapels.

Inside, the design is very impressive but not over the top.

A modest organ for such a place.

Enormous work has gone into detailed illustration and sculpture.

From the choir seats.

Part of the gardens. The Bom Jesus is worthy of its big ticket reputation, particularly when combined with the funicular.

We then headed down to the old part of town for a wander and explore some other sights.

There are gardens all over town, all beautifully maintained.

Blue on white tiles seem to be a theme in this area as they are used on a lot of signage and house decoration.

The Basilica dos Congregados

The Cathedral of Braga has an ancient history. Its first bishop was appointed in 42AD. It is a large complex with some of the original stonework still visible.

The front of the church and altar area are surprisingly modest. All the action is happening at the back of the church with the organs and in the ceilings.