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Braga

Portugal

Portugal Travel Guide

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Braga

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Overview

Portugal’s third-largest city is an elegant town laced with ancient narrow lanes closed to vehicles, strewn with plazas and a splendid array of baroque churches. The constant chiming of bells is a reminder of Braga’s age-old devotion to the spiritual world. Its religious festivals – particularly the elaborately staged Semana Santa (Holy Week) – are famous throughout Portugal. But don’t come expecting piety alone: Braga’s upscale old centre is packed with lively cafes and trim boutiques, some excellent restaurants and low-key bars catering to students from the Universidade do Minho.

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Best Things to Do

A city with rich history, dozens of churches and a thriving arts scene, Braga is a highlight of northern Portugal. Here are the top things to do there.

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