Braga and Guimarães a lesson in religious history

 

Braga

The city of Braga is over 2000 years old and after the Moors were reconquered, the first Roman Archbishop Dom Pedro was installed and a new cathedral was built.  Braga is still a religious center of importance in Portugal to this day and many holy days are still celebrated in the city. The University of Minho has brought many students and boasts one of Portugals youngest populations.

Braga Cathedral was built in the 9th century under the first Bishop Dom Pedro and is Portugal's oldest cathedral. The structure is a mixture of Baroque and Gothic architure.

The original Porta Nova Arch in the city square was built in 1512 as a city gate, but this one is from the 18th century.

The Santa Barbara Gardens (Jardim de Santa Barbara) surround the city square and mix the flowers and fountains.

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte

High above the city is the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, an impressive neoclassical church  surrounded by imposing sculptures of the Passion of Christ. Walk, drive or take the lift to the church in the sky.

View of Braga from Sanctuary

Inside Sanctuary

Passion of Christ sculptures

Guimarães 

Known as the “Cradle City,” Guimarães is the home to the first royal king, Dom Alonso Henriques and is now a World Heritage Site.

The castle and chapel of São Miguel was built by Countess Mumadona Dias in the 10th century as a way to keep out the Moors and Normans (protecting the Christians community) and is the birthplace of the first king of Portugal, Dom Alonso Henriques.

Manor House built in 15th century

Castle Chapel

The manor house is now a museum and hosts various events.

View of Guimarães from atop the castle battlements

In the town, Largo da Oliviera square houses the remains of the Oliviera church and cloister and is a museum.

The Church of Santos Passos commands the city centre

The Church of Santos Passos completed in 1785, is baroque style architecture (many cities in Portugal are a mix of Baroque, Gothic and Roman influenced architecture).

In other news...

I spoke with Gail at Relocate to Portugal and got the skinny on what I need to do moving forward for a Visa. She was very helpful and I think I may contract with her now even though I wouldn’t be looking to move right away. Actually I’m looking forward to see Charlotte and not living out of a suitcase for a while.

Reflecting on what I’ve learning about Portugal:

1. It rains a lot in winter and summer is pretty dry and warm

2. Francesinha is not a dessert, but a disgusting meat dish 

3. I love octopus

4. The Portuguese put an egg on top of everything

5. oPorto Tonica is my new favorite drink

6. It was fairly easy to communicate even if someone didn’t speak English. The Portuguese people do try and figure out what you are saying.

7. Wine is not only inexpensive, it is good!

8. The countryside is beautiful

9. The public transport in the cities is exceptional

10. If I do decide to live in Portugal, Porto is the place