The city of Braga was for centuries the center of ecclesiastical power of Portugal, fact which attests to its large number of churches which dominates the skyline.

One of the most representative monuments of Braga is the Arco da Porta Nova, and through it you access the historic area of the city.

Braga Cathedral is a key to visit, built in the XII century in Romanesque style, underwent several reforms during its history, most notably the Baroque era performed in place.  

It is worth visiting the Treasury of the Cathedral with a magnificent collection of pieces of sacred art.

The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Sameiro is located near the city of Braga, on top of the same mountain where the shrine is do Bom Jesus do Monte . A few miles up the road just two .

Its construction began on July 14, 1863 , and is the second center of Marian devotion in Portugal, after the Shrine of Fatima.

The Sameiro Sanctuary can be accessed by a monumental staircase, the top is flanked by two columns in which are the Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

We strongly recommend the climb to the dome of the church, it costs one euro, and views that are enjoyed in the region are spectacular, as the sanctuary is 566 meters.

 To visit this site we recommend you do first thing in the morning when there is hardly devout fans of photography is better than afternoon visit there are less people and the sun illuminates the facade, so these comments also apply in neighboring Bom Jesus do Monte.

Ponte da Barca is a nice town in northern Portugal , home of municipality, located in a region graced by nature, guided by the green of the rich vegetation and the calm of the river Lima .

At another point called " Nobrega ", a name of probably pre-Roman origin, with the growth of the town, was called" Barca ", because here was a river boat passage Lima , following completion of construction by the end of the fourteenth century, the city ​​became known as Ponte da Barca, acquiring local commercial importance as a point of passage, from the interior to the coast.

Ponte da Barca is also a stopping point for pilgrims, for here two roads that go to Santiago de Compostela.

Lima River

Member of the demarcated region of Green Wines , Ponte da Barca demonstrates the economic benefits of the wine industry through its stone houses emblazoned, solar and palaces, making up an interesting architectural heritage .

Guimaraes represents the birth of the portuguese nation.

In fact it is known as the “Cradle of the Nation” because it was here where D. Afonso Henriques was born and raised and where he planned the wars for the independence of the Portugal province during the 12th century, becoming the first Portuguese king.

The origins of the Guimaraes castle can be traced back to 968, when the Countess of Galicia, D. Mumadona Dias, ordered the construction of a fortification to defend the populations and the existing monastery against the raids of the Vikings from the coast and the Arabs from the south.

During the 11th century, Guimaraes had its defensive structure extensively enhanced when Count Henrique assumed the government of the province from King D. Alfonso VI of Leon. The existing tower and wall were augmented with additional towers,

In 1129, D. Afonso Henriques proclaimed the independence of Portugal and several battles ensued, including that against his mother’s army who was against independence contrary to her initial belief. 

Despite Portugal’s independence being recognized in 1143, battles were fought with Spain until the 14th century due to the pretensions of Spain to dominate the Portuguese kingdom.

Photos from facebook/travellinportugal

Abade de Neiva
Council: Barcelos.
Regiao do Minho.
Medieval  Church Romanesque style.

One of most beautiful town in the Minho region is the fortified  town of Valenca do Minho. The complex Vaubanne-style fortifications hide the old town from view until one drives through the main gateway.