Bom Jesus de Braga
The Bom Jesus do Monte architectural ensemble, ex-libris of the city of Braga, is perhaps the most majestic and most monumental sacred hill built in Europe, where religious, baroque, rococo and neoclassical architecture predominate.
In 1373, signs of activity and construction of a Chapel in Bom Jesus were already registered, although with an insignificant turnout and importance. The second Hermitage arrived much later, in 1494.
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However, the Bom Jesus as we know it today appears in 1722 when, at the initiative of D. Rodrigo de Moura Teles, the project of the present Shrine begins, with the construction of the Chapels of the Via Sacra, the Porch, and the Stairs. of the five senses. In 1784, with the increasing flow of pilgrims, Archbishop D. Gaspar de Bragança entrusted Carlos Amarante with the task of designing a new basilica, completed in 1811.
Its famous staircase connects several hermitages where the various steps of the Via Sacra are represented and where you can discover various fountains, caves, gazebos and lakes that invite relaxation and meditation.
The staircases have a difference of 116 meters and are divided into three important sections: the Portico Staircase, the initial section where the first chapels of the Via Crucis are located, the Five Senses Staircase, whose sources represent the five senses (sight, hearing). , smell, taste and touch) and which also has the Fountain of the Five Chagar, and the Three Virtues Staircase, dedicated to Faith, Hope and Charity (Theological Virtues).
The 581-step stairway ends at Terreiro de Moses, where you can find the Pelican Fountain and the statue of Saint Longuinho. A little higher is the churchyard with its 8 statues of biblical characters linked to the passion of Christ.
Known as the ex-libris of the city of Braga, the Bom Jesus do Monte architectural ensemble welcomes thousands of pilgrims each year, giving it the title of one of the largest Sacred Routes.
To reach the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, at the top of the mountain, you can take the staircase or take the elevator ride.
This funicular was built by Manuel Joaquim Gomes to connect the upper city of Braga to the Sanctuary, avoiding the over-effort of the horses, which often had to be helped by an extra team of oxen to be able to take passengers across the road. of the sanctuary.
It was inaugurated on March 25, 1882, is the only one in the Iberian Peninsula and one of seven of its kind in the world, being also the oldest in the world that continues to operate today with the water balance system.
Useful information:
Opening hours and Useful Information
Basilica Hours: 8 am to 7 pm in summer and 9 am to 6 pm in winter. Free entrance.
Elevator Hours: 9 am to 8 pm in summer and 9 am to 7 pm in winter.
For more information see bomjesus.pt/
How to Get to the Good Jesus
If you are still planning your visit, click here to find out how to get to Braga.
This famous sanctuary is 5km from the city center. If you come by car, you will find various signs from the city center to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus. As for parking, you will find several free parking areas near the start of the staircase, but also at the top of the Sanctuary.
Also, the city has a good public transport system so you can easily find a bus stop that will take you to Bom Jesus. Just look for the bus 02. The trip takes about 40min.
For those arriving by bus to the city, you should walk towards the Conde Agrolongo roundabout.
For those arriving by train, there is a bus stop right in front of the station. Look for bus 02 to Bom Jesus.
For more information on bus schedules and bus 02, visit tub.pt
Arriving at the base of Bom Jesus, you can climb to the Sanctuary by the monumental staircase or make the trip on the traditional funicular.