BRAGA - DESCRIPTION
As still the home of Portugal’s Bishops there are many churches
and the Antigo Paço Episcopal is a fine reminder of the past. The
façade of this Archbishop's Palace dates from the 14th Century
with changes in both the 17th and 18th Centuries. Unfortunately,
a fire in the 18th Century destroyed much of its fine interior
and it is now used to house books and clerical records.
At present there is an intensive project to exhibit the Roman
remains within the City that are believed to be of a considerable
size, and considered among the largest in the Iberian Peninsular.
The 14th Century Torre de Menagem that stands in the City’s
square is all that remains of the original fortifications. The
much altered and extended 12th Century Cathedral was built on
the site of an older church destroyed in the 6th Century. Today,
it also acts as the home of a prestigious collection of Portugal’s
religious statues, garments and other treasures. Amongst other
important religious relics is the Cross used at the first mass
celebrated in Brazil by Saint Francis Xavier. Another building of
note is the 16th Century Palácio dos Biscainhos that was
originally an aristocratic lavish home with ornate interesting
gardens. On display within the palace is a museum of Portuguese
period furniture and many other ethnographic items. In one of the
minor streets close to the 17th Century Baroque Church Santa Cruz
is the ornate and blue tiled façade of the building known as
Palácio do Raio.
On the overlooking forested slope to the east of the town is one
of Portugal’s most famous tourist attraction, Igreja de Bom Jesus
de Monte. Construction of this building was in 1776 and it's
impressive Baroque staircase is symbolic of the Fourteen Stations
of the Cross that lead the many visitors upwards to the Church.
Ornately carved figures and wall-fountains and Chapels decorate
the steps according to the various stages of Christ’s last journey.
If daunted by the climb there is a primitive funicular railway
dating from 1882 that still runs-up alongside the steps and this
will take the visitor to the top.
A unusual museum named Museu da Imagem to be found at Campo das
Hortas that contains 120.000 old glass photo negatives. The area
around Braga is also famous for its wine, melons and other fruits.
A Cépa
A modest friendly restaurant which serves regional cuisine.
Accepts Credit Cards and is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Estrada N 104 - Abelheira
252 413 477
Abade de Pricos
The cuisine of this restaurant is devoted to the speciality dishes of the
region. Does not accept Credit Cards and closed on Sundays and Monday lunch
Praça Mouzinho de Albuqueque, 7 - Braga
253 276 650
Brito's
The menu of this restaurant leans to mainly grilled meat dishes.
The décor is modest but comfortable. Accepts Credit Cards and
closed on Thursday.
Praça Mouzinho de Albuqueque, 49A - Braga
253 617 576
Camelo
Located on the coast this restaurant enjoys fame for its cuisine
which is centred around fresh fish and shellfish. Accepts Credit
Cards and closed on Monday.s.
Rua do Facho - Apúlia - Fão
253 987 600
Casa da Tapada
A restaurant with a rustic décor and providing regional cuisine
- pianist provides background on weekends. Accepts Credit Cards
and closed on Monday.
Largo Dom Gualdim Pais - Amares
253 993 555
Costa do Vez-Grill
Located within a Hotel this restaurant maintains a regional
cuisine with an emphasis on grills. Accepts Credit Cards and
closed on Monday.
Estrada de Monção - Arcos de Valdevez
258 516 122
Dom Gosto
A modest but comfortable restaurant maintaining a cuisine based
on dishes which are regional specialities. Accepts Credit Cards
and closed on Thursday.
Rua Fundação Gulbenkian, 76 - Braga
253 619 399
El Gaúcho
The cuisine of the restaurant is Argentinean all well prepared
and served in an rustic ambience. Accepts Credit Cards and is
closed on Tuesday.
Avenida 25 de Abril, 207 - Póvoa de Lanhoso
253 631 144
Inácio
A popular Tasca style restaurant to enjoy local regional dishes
well prepared at served at a sensible price. Accepts Credit Cards
and closed on Tuesday.
Campo das Hortas, 4 - Braga
253 613 235
Montecristo
A stylish restaurant located beside a lake with an interesting
cuisine and good service. Does not accept Credit Cards and is
closed on Sunday evening and Monday.
Parque da Irmandade - Braga
253 553 491
Moutados de Baixo
Located within a Hotel this stylish restaurant provides an
interesting cuisine and good service. Accepts Credit Cards
and is always open.
Avenida do Brazil, 1701 - V. N. de Famalição
252 322 276
Pedra Furada
A locally popular restaurant for its "value for
money" cuisine in a rural décor using many home
grown products. Accepts Credit Cards and is closed on
Monday evening.
Estrada N 306 - Braga
252 951 144
Pousada da Santa Maria do Bouro
Serving a Portuguese cuisine in a refined setting and
supported by a good wine cellar to suit the tastes of
its International guests. Attractive décor with an
emphasis for the past. Accepts Credit Cards and is
always open.
Santa Maria do Bouro
253 371 970
Pousada da São Bento
Serving a Portuguese cuisine in a refined setting and
supported by a good wine cellar to suit the tastes of
its International guests. Attractive décor with an
emphasis for the past. Accepts Credit Cards and is
always open.
Estrada N 304 - Soergas - Vieira do Minho
253 647 867
Tanoeiro
A restaurant that enjoys fame for its cuisine and its
atmosphere. Regional specialities make up the menu.
Accepts Credit Cards and closed on Sunday evenings.
Praça Dona Maria II, 720 - Vila Nova de Familicão
252 322 162
COMPLETE LIST FOR BRAGA
Click here to see the complete List
►►►►