Braga is a municipality in northwest Portugal. It is the capital of the District of Braga, the oldest district in the region. Braga is one of the more popular and industrialized cities of the country. Braga is also the center of the Greater Metropolitan Area of Minho and it is the 7th largest municipality in Portugal.
The city is also known as the “Portuguese Rome” because of its monuments, religious architectures, and remnants of the Roman colonization. This is the center of commerce and religious activities in the area.Learn more about Braga
Moreover, the people in Braga are known to be the most conservative and pious among the nation’s population. These characteristics were brought about by Braga’s rich history which was mainly centered on religion.
History of Braga
The first settlers in Braga were the Bacari people, known to have built their villages in the city during the Iron Age. Appian, a Roman historian wrote that they were warlike people. The Bacari warriors fearlessly fought for their town and way of life. They preferred death over captivity.
In 136 BC, the Romans began their conquest in the region. Around 20 BC, the city was named Bracara Augusta in honor of Emperor Augustus, the Emperor during the time of the conquest.
Under the new Roman administration, Bracara Augusta developed and flourished as a city until the 2nd century. Towards the end of the 3rd century, Emperor Diocletianus declared Bracara Augusta as the capital of Gallaecia.
When the Germans invaded the Iberian Peninsula, the Roman power was overthrown and Bracara Augusta was conquered by Sueves, a Germanic people originating from Central Europe. However, in 584 Bracara Augusta was passed on to Visigothic conquerors in Hispania. This passing on to new conquerors marked the start of the city’s ecclesiastical greatness.
During the 16th century, Archbishop Diogo de Sousa sponsored many urban developments in Braga. He ordered the creation of public squares or halls, widening of the streets, building of new hospitals and construction of new churches. The Archbishop turned Braga from a medieval town into a renaissance city. Many of these structures survived time and can still be seen in Braga today.
Culture in Braga
Braga’s municipal celebrations are mainly centered on the Roman Catholic religion. There are three events that draw the most local inhabitants and foreign nationals alike to experience and participate:
Two Easter Events
Senhor Ecce Homo – During Easter, a group of barefoot people with torches and covered heads parade the streets of the city. It is believed that by doing so they are cleansed from their sins and are spiritually purified.
Pilgrimage to Born Jesus – During Holy Week, devotees climb the stone Baroque steps of the sanctuary of Born Jesus on their hands and knees. This is believed to reenact the 14 Stations of the Cross or the suffering Jesus endured to the cross. This practice is also done by the religious devotees for spiritual purification and penance.
Event in June
Sao Joao Festival – The festivity starts on the 23rd to the 24th of June. The celebration includes music, dancing, and processions. It is a tradition during the festival to give gifts of pots of basil with a short poem to friends and family.
Main Attractions in Braga
Braga is known for its historical monuments and churches with classic architectural designs. Many of the great structures built in baroque, neoclassical, and renaissance styles are found in this historic city.
Churches:
- Braga Cathedral – The most important historical monument in Braga.
- Populo Church (built in 16th century)
- Misericordia Church
- Saint Paul Church in Braga
- Saint Vincent Church
- Carmo Church
- Congregados Church
Braga is also a host to a number of museums around the city. Many of the paintings, decorative arts, precious porcelain, unique or rare pieces of furniture, sculptures, ceramics, musical instruments, and religious arts are displayed in the following museums:
- Biscainhos Museum;
- Museum Medina;
- Nogueira da Silva Museum;
- D. Diogo de Sousa Museum;
- Cathedral Treasure;
- Pius XII Museum;
- Image Museum; and
- Stringed Instruments Museum.
Sports Activities in Braga
The most famous sport in Braga is football. The Braga Football Association is Braga’s governing body for all the competitions in football in Portugal. The Portuguese Cup is the prestigious football competition that is held yearly in Portugal.
Education in Braga
One of the most well-known universities in Portugal is located in Braga. This is the Minho University (UM) or Universidade do Minho. This is a public university established in 1973. Located in Minho, this university shaped the landscape for higher education in Portugal. UM has a total of 16,000 students enrolled, out of which 1,900 are post-graduate students. It has 1,200 teachers and 850 of these professors hold a PhD.
Through the years, the university has achieved a great reputation as an institution of higher learning, leadership, dedication to scientific research, and academic excellence.
The Conclusion
Today, Braga is a picture of a modern society with a relatively young population. It is the center for commerce and industry. Its streets are lively and bustling with activities both for locals and tourists alike.
Despite Braga’s rich and colorful cultural past, the city is adapting to the changes of modern times. As an example, the computer software development and Web design industry are growing rapidly in Braga. Consequently, many software companies on others parts of the world are now seeing the potential growth of this industry in Braga.
Braga is a living proof that the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ can live in harmony. It is one of the more progressive cities in Portugal but it is still the center of reverence for religious activities and spiritual beliefs.
More Information about Braga
- National Name: Republica Portuguesa
- Government: Parliamentary Democracy
- Monetary Unit: Euro
- Languages: Portuguese (official)
- Population: 175,063 (for the year 2007)
- Number of Parishes: 62
- Region: Norte
- Subregion: Cavado
- District or A.R.: Braga
- Present Mayor: Francisco Soares Mesquita Machado
- Mayoral Party: Socialist Party
- Municipal Holiday: Saint John, June 24
- Name of Airport: Aerodromo de Braga
- Moving Around Braga: by bus, train and car