EnglishThe “Best Destinations in Europe” organization, located in Brussels and annually ranking the selected destinations and recommended throughout Europe by online voting, announced this week that the city of Braga won the most votes (109,902) and about 31,000 more votes than the second place Rome city, in Italy. The city of Braga is the 2nd largest city in the northern Portuguese province (and the 5th largest city in all of Portugal) and is considered a pilgrimage destination for many tourists around the world in light of its many tourist attractions. The historic buildings, gardens and fountains scattered throughout the city and the religious sites that attract many tourists from all over the world to the city every year make it a central city in all of Portugal and form the basis for its economic stability. In fact, as early as the 12th century Braga has been a center of pilgrimage for Christian believers from all over the world, it served as the seat of the Portuguese archbishops and in fact the city was the religious capital of the country. The best time to visit the city is during Easter celebrations (usually early April), when the city becomes especially colorful and is filled with decorations, processions and fairs that visitors from all over the world come to. Beyond the focus of tourism, Braga has developed exceptionally well in recent years, and is starting to grow as an important industrial and technological center in Portugal, and is in the EU development indices as one of the fastest developing regions in the EU. In recent years, Israeli companies have chosen to locate their activities in the city of Braga in light of the many incentives that the city promotes for its technology companies.
Recommended places in the city:
The Cathedral of Braga Sé de Braga
Populo Church
The Idol Fountain – Punta de Idolo
Capela dos Coimbras
Archbishop’s Palace or “Archbishop’s Palace” – (Paço Arquiepiscopal) Capela dos Coimbras
Archbishop’s Palace (Paço Arquiepiscopal)
The new gate – Arco da Porta Nova
City Hall (Camara de Braga)
Rayo Palace
Theatro Circo from the 20th century
St. Barbra’s Garden – Jardim de Santa Bárbara
Aguas Ferreas Fountain
Casa dos Crivos
So on your next visit to Portugal do not forget this amazing city!
