BRAGA

In the heart of the verdant Minho region, Braga   was chosen as the best European destination in 2021 and is one of the largest religious centers in Portugal and, as such, is full of secular churches, such as Santa Cruz and the Sé Cathedral. On top of a hill, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus emerges as an important pilgrimage point. Behind, on Monte Sameiro, a colossal statue of Our Lady blesses the region. Gardens, parks and solariums from the 18th century complete the scenery, which takes on a unique flavor in cuisines specializing in traditional duck rice and cod à Minho. Braga is the oldest city in Portugal. It has more than 2 thousand years of history, since it was founded by the Romans with the name of Bracara Augusta, between 300 and 400 BC, and became the capital of the empire in northern Iberia. The ruins of this golden phase still exist in the archaeological complex.