Overall Score
Braga, because of its character as the ecclesiastical seat, is known as the religious center of Portugal. Everything about this city has a conservative character that emphasizes the churchs faithfulness. In ancient Old Town, three dozen churches and small palaces in small streets, with piazzas adorned with festoons, have survived to this day.
The Romanesque Cathedral, which towers above the city, is an effective blend of different styles. In this cathedral is the famous 15th-century Chapel of the Dujer Rejeus, which is considered the burial place of Henry of Bourgogne and his consort – the progenitors of the state.
The only arch that made up part of the gateway to the Old City is the Archa da Porto Novo. Nearby, in SantAntonio Barbarra Park, one can see the surviving walls of the Archaeopoeic Palace of the Middle Ages.
Main features of the city include the Misericórdia Church, which was built in the Renaissance style in the early 16th century, and the SantAgua Cruz Church, which was built in the Rococo style in the 17th century, St. Marks Chapel (15th century), the Kaza dos Quimbras Chapel (16th century) in a Gothic style, and the citys Rathaus building (18th century), which has a large pelican-style piazza with a huge picture window.
A few kilometers from the city is the remarkable Church of Christ on the Mount Golgotha, considered the most popular memorial site in the country. The church is regarded as a model of Portuguese Baroque. It stands on a mountainous terrace and is accessed by an imposing staircase dating back to the 18th century and decorated with white pylons and small statues. Most believers climb this staircase on their knees. In the church itself there is an altarpiece underneath which is a sculpture of St. Clement with his arm stretched out.
Every year at the end of June, the city hosts a two-day celebration of St. Johns, which brings together a large number of believers. The local peoples strong faith in God is also evident in the many processes that take place throughout the year.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 82 US AQI Moderate. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 140,000 people
- GDP: $19,750 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 27 Mbps
- Best wireless: Vodafone
- Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
- Tipping: Tipping 5% – 10% in restaurants is standard, although tipping should only be provided with the chance that you are extremely happy with the service. No tip is expected for some coffee/espresso or a beverage, although some people might leave the change, round up to the closest Euro (example 1,85 to 2EUR).
- Apartment listings: OLX
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Uber
- Best coworking space: Factory Braga
- Online electronics shop: Fnac
- Best short-haul air carrier: RyanAir
- Best intl air carrier: TAP
- Monthly costs for expat: $1050
- Monthly costs for family: $1900
- Monthly costs for local: $550
- Meal: $5
- Small Cola: $0.8
- Beer 1 Pint: $2.5
- Coffee: $1.6
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