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BRAGA

A City Shaped by Roman Roots and Christian Faith

Bracara Augusta was, as the name indicates, founded in 16 B.C. by Emperor Augustus. It was located on one of the main Roman roads in the Iberian Peninsula since it was the administrative seat of the Empire. Later, it was given the capital status of the Roman province of Gallaecia, present-day Galicia. During Roman times, Braga was the largest and most important city in the territory that would become Portugal. Due to this, Braga has often been called ‘Portuguese Rome’. Today, Braga is the third largest city in Portugal and represents an important industrial area. The city is also a center for education, with the University of Minho being the most well-known school.

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Braga is one of the most important and oldest cities in Christianity. Its first bishop, São Pedro de Rates, was installed 45 A.D. Braga’s Cathedral is the oldest in Portugal and was built in the 12th century by the parents of Portugal’s first King, D. Henrique and D. Teresa, who also are buried there. Braga is a main religious center, having the Holy Week Celebrations and the São João Festival as the highlights in its liturgical calendar.

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In 411 A.D., the Suebi, a Germanic people, established the Kingdom of Gallaecia with Braga as its capital. Under the guidance of St. Martin of Dume, who played a crucial role in the Christianization of the Suebi, Braga flourished as a religious and political center. In 717 A.D., the Moors captured Braga, and remained under Islamic rule until the Reconquista in the late 9th century when Christian forces reclaimed it. In the 11th century, Braga was revitalized under the Portuguese Kingdom, playing a central role in the emerging nation.

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Braga has a rich cultural heritage, with its most famous landmark being the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2012, it was named the European Youth Capital; in 2018, it was the European City of Sport. Since 2017, it has been part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the Media Arts category, and in 2021, it was elected Best European Destination of the Year, after having placed 2nd in 2019.

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Braga is a city of beauty and rich heritage, combining tradition with innovation. Visiting Braga is like taking a time travel inside modernity. The old town and its traditional religiousness, always imposing on its richness and majesty, live hand in hand with entrepreneurship and young spirit in vital areas such as culture, commerce, gastronomy, industry, and services. As a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for Media Arts, Braga is embracing the digital age, with projects focusing on digital culture and creative industries

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The city's annual festivals, religious celebrations, and traditional events are a key part of its cultural identity, attracting locals and visitors worldwide. One of Braga's most significant cultural events is the Holy Week (Semana Santa). Braga Romana, an annual festival, reenacts the city’s Roman past, bringing ancient traditions to life with Roman markets, gladiator shows, and historical parades, immersing visitors in the city’s early history. Another hallmark of Braga's cultural life is the Romaria de São João, a traditional summer festival in June to honor St. John the Baptist. This lively event is characterized by colorful parades, folk music, dancing, and fireworks, transforming Braga into a vibrant celebration of its historical and religious heritage.

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Visit the web page of Braga

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Learn more about what happens in Braga

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