Bragança

In the far north-east of Portugal, close to the Spanish border, Bragança is a city of granite walls, old churches and quiet squares. Its medieval castle and its walled old town are among the best preserved in the country, and the surrounding mountains and plains are full of character.

History and identity

Bragança grew up around its castle in the twelfth century and became the seat of the House of Braganza, the family that gave Portugal its kings from 1640 onwards. As a frontier city, it kept its walls and its military character for centuries, and today its historic centre is one of the most complete medieval ensembles in Portugal.

What to see and do

• The castle and its keep, with views over the city and the mountains.
• The Domus Municipalis, a rare Romanesque civic building.
• The walled old town, with its churches and granite streets.
• The cathedral and the city’s museums.

Gastronomy and traditions

Bragança keeps the traditions of Trás-os-Montes, with smoked meats, local olive oil and the robust dishes of the mountains. The nearby Mirandese plateau preserves its own language and customs, and the city’s festivals follow the calendar of the border country.

Nearby

Bragança is the gateway to the Parque Natural de Montesinho, one of the wildest corners of Portugal, and to the border town of Miranda do Douro, above the gorge of the Douro.

Visiting Bragança

Bragança is in the north-east of Portugal, reached by road from Porto and Braga. Access to the historic centre is free; for the castle and local events, check the official website before your visit.

Visitor information: cm-braganca.pt.

Image credit: Bragança, Portugal, by Lídia Maria Faria, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.