Our tour starts in the direction ofBraga.Along the way, enjoy thelush landscapeand green of the mountains, valleys, and rivers.Bragais a deeply religious city and this guided tour will allow you to visit the Triangle of Faith: theCathedral, theSameiroSanctuary, and theBom JesusSanctuary. Exciting, right?
TheSameiro Sanctuary, a Marianshrine,is a strong proof of theChristian heritage. Adazzling building that attracts a great number of devotees and tourists. Did you know thatMount Sameiro is the highest point in the city?Fromthere, you will have breathtaking views that run hundreds and hundreds of kilometers. Not only for the Catholic faith but for its architecture, you will understand whythis monument isso incredible in everyone's eyes.
Later, we will find theSanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, one of the greatest highlights of this tour.Famous for its endless stairs and Baroque details, this place will definitely impress you! Not only areligious monumentbut also a trulyromantic and relaxing place, with stunning views of the city.Here, Nature is privileged and protected with theutmost affection.
It's now time to visit the magnificentCathedral of Braga(also known asSé de Braga), a monument that combinesthree different styles: Romanesque, Manueline and Baroque. It isthe oldest Cathedral in Portugal- it was even builtseveral decades before the founding of the country! Undoubtedly, this imposingCathedral is the greatest landmark of Braga.
We will take a break in thehistoric center of Bragatoenjoy a tasty traditional lunch (optional).Relax and appreciate this time.
After lunch, we will drive toGuimarães,thebirthplace of Portugaland aWorld Heritage Site, since 2001. This was the city where the first King of Portugal,D. Afonso Henriques, was born.The history of Guimarães is related to thefoundation of the national identityand the Portuguese language.
We will have the opportunity to enter and explore theCastle of Guimarães, the 10th-century national symbol. From the outside, itsmedieval structure looks impressive; on the inside, you can havestunning viewsover the city. Then, wewill continue passing throughthePalace of the Bragança Dukesand visit theSão Miguel Church.
Observe the imposingstatue of D. Afonso Henriquesand walk through theMartins Sarmento Square. To end this short walking tour, you will discover theSanta Maria Street, the City Hall, the Santiago Square, and the Senhora da Oliveira Church.
Guimarãesis an authentic example of the evolution of a medieval city throughout History!