Pedro DominguesBragança is a land of strong traditions, excellent cuisine and centuries of history. It’s located in the north-east of Trás-os-Montes, a long way from all the other major cities in Portugal, so it’s not usually on the average visitor’s itinerary. It is undoubtedly a destination off the beaten track in the north of the country.
But visiting Bragança can be surprising. After all, it has a phenomenal and very well preserved castle and a pleasant historic center that is easily walkable. It also has the Montesinho Natural Park, rich in biodiversity and home to 80% of the mammal species found in Portugal.
Rio de Onor, for example, is a village in Montesinho Natural Park that won the title of one of the 7 wonders of Portugal. But there are other equally incredible villages lost in the mountains, my favorites being Montesinho, Aveleda, Guadramil and Gondesende.
If you’re planning to visit Bragança, then I recommend that you continue reading this article, as I’ll show you in detail below all the sights in and around the city that you can’t miss, as well as the villages in Montesinho Natural Park that require a stopover, and the route to follow to get to know them.
Where is Bragança located, in Portugal?
Bragança is located in Trás-os-Montes, more precisely in the north-east of Trás-os-Montes, as I’ve already mentioned. It borders Spain, more precisely the region of Castile & León.
The municipality of Bragança is in the district of the same name, bordered by other municipalities in Trás-os-Montes, namely Vinhais, Macedo de Cavaleiros and Vimioso.
MORE ARTICLES FROM THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL: - Porto Itinerary - Things to do in Porto - Best Museums in Porto - Best Churches and Cathedrals in Porto - Best Parks and Gardens in Porto - Best Port Wine Cellars in Porto - Best Beaches in Porto - Best Day Trips from Porto - Best Matosinhos Beaches - Things to do in Matosinhos - Things to do in Póvoa de Varzim - Things to do in Vila do Conde - Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia - Things to do in Espinho - Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary - Things to do in Viana do Castelo - Things to do in Ponte de Lima - Things to do in Monção - Things to do in Valença - Things to do in Caminha - Things to do in Braga - Things to do in Guimarães - Things to do in Barcelos - Things to do in Esposende - Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez - Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary - Best Hikes and Trails in Peneda Gerês National Park - Best Peneda Gerês National Park Waterfalls and Lagoons - Douro Valley Itinerary - Douro Valley Wineries - Best Douro Viewpoints - Things to do in Peso da Régua - Things to do in Lamego - Things to do in Pinhão - Douro International Natural Park Itinerary - Best beaches in Northern Portugal - Trás-os-Montes Itinerary - Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary - Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
Useful tips for visiting Bragança
Having a car is a must for your itinerary in Bragança. If you don’t have a car, rent one with Discover Cars, which allows you to analyze and compare prices between different rental companies until you find the best deal.
Likewise, travel insurance should be taken out without fail. We are all subject to bad luck and travel accidents. I, for example, ended up in hospital on a past trip through Douro Valley, and it all happened because of a fall in one of the most unlikely place ever. 😐 Opt for Travel insurance with World Nomads.
When to visit Bragança?
It can be interesting to visit Bragança during the deer mating season, as you may be able to hear their loud roar. That’s what I did, and the autumn colors really embellished the landscape. I didn’t hear the roar as I had hoped, but I did get the chance to see roe deer in the wild somewhere in Montesinho Natural Park.
Don’t ignore also the town’s main festivities, which are associated with the region’s ancient traditions:
- Festa dos Reis, in the weekend before January 6th (Rio de Onor) or the weekend closer to January 6th (Baçal).
- The Caretos Carnival, on the Saturday before Carnival (Bragança). Better than this one is the Carnival of Caretos in Podence – Macedo de Cavaleiros.
- On December 25 and 26, the Boys’ Festival in Aveleda and Varge.
Gastronomy and Restaurants in Bragança
I ate wild boar, venison and veal when I visited Bragança recently. For dessert, I opted for those based on chestnuts and walnuts, the fruits of fall season.
In terms of restaurants, I had dinner at the Poças restaurant, which I thought was very good. For my main course I chose Boar Stew with Chestnuts, and for dessert Quince soaked in Port wine, with walnut ice cream! Everything was delicious, and the dessert was divine. 😀
I also recommend Dona Raquel’s XXL crepes. The tavern where she sells them is just off Cathedral Square, near another good restaurant: Emiclau. She has lots of flavors available for the crepes, which is amazing.
Although I haven’t tried them, the restaurants below were also suggested to me in Bragança as restaurants not to be missed:
- Restaurant O Abel, in Gimonde (Bragança)
- Solar Bragançano in Bragança. You need to make a reservation in advance.
- Tasca do Zé Tuga, in Bragança. Same applies regarding reservations.
Accommodation tips to visit Bragança
In Bragança I stayed at the Baixa Hotel and honestly it was very good, central, with an excellent breakfast and good value for money. I totally recommend it. 😉
But I’ll leave other tips below!
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Casa da Barriada | 9.3 | Gondesende |
| Hotel Santa Apolónia | 8.8 | Bragança |
| Solar de Santa Maria | 9.1 | Bragança |
| Hotel Rural O Abel | 9.3 | Gimonde |
| Casarão dos Reis | 9.1 | Caravela |
| Casal de Palácios | 9.0 | Palácios |
| Moleiro de Baçal | 9.2 | Baçal |
| Candeias do Souto | 9.3 | Meixedo |
| A Lagosta Perdida | 9.5 | Montesinho |
| Apimonte – Casa da Serra | 9.7 | Vilarinho |
| Alformil | 9.5 | Formil |
Things to do in Bragança | Portugal
And now for my tips on the sights not to be missed and things to do in Bragança. Below is a map of all the places I’m going to mention, including the must-see villages in Montesinho Natural Park, as well as the optional ones, for those who have more time to travel. All the villages I’m going to mention have been visited by me.
Throughout the text, I’ll mention some of the trails you can take in Bragança, to get in touch with nature near the main villages.
Map | Things to do in Bragança
Visit Bragança Castle Citadel
The historic center of Bragança is easily visited all on foot. I recommend that you start by discovering the interior of the Citadel of Bragança Castle and surrounding area. It’s usually easy to park your car inside, at least that’s what I found during my most recent visit.
1. Bragança Castle: Keep, Walls, Domus Municipalis, and Bragança Military Museum
The first defensive constructions in Bragança date back to the reigns of King Sancho I and King Dinis. However, the Bragança Castle keep, 17 meters wide and 33 meters high, was only built at the beginning of the 15th century at the request of King João I.
When you visit the citadel, you must walk on the outer walls, which are shaped like a heart (if seen from the sky). In total, there are 15 towers and 3 gates along the walls, the most notable being Porta da Vila and Torre da Princesa.
Unfortunately, I never managed to visit the keep and its Military Museum. I always found it closed both times I visited Bragança, but I think it’s very worthwhile.
The same goes for the Romanesque Domus Municipalis, the former town hall, which is believed to have served as a cistern in the past.
2. Iberian Mask and Costume Museum
The Iberian Mask and Costume Museum, on the other hand, has three floors full of masks and costumes used in the traditional winter festivals in and around the Bragança district. Have you ever heard of the carnival caretos? If you don’t visit the city during Carnival, you should know that you can see the caretos’ costumes and masks in this museum and learn a little more about their history there. They’re fabulous!
3. Bragança Pillory and Santa Maria Church
Both are very central in the citadel, right next to the keep.
- Bragança’s pillory is one of the oldest in Portugal. It sits on top of “porca da vila” (town’s pig, in English).
- The Church of Santa Maria is known to be the oldest in Bragança. Highlights include the Figueiredos chapel, the image of Saint Mary Magdalene inside and the altarpiece dedicated to Saint Estevão.
4. Bragança Castle Garden and Cano Fountain
After visiting the inside of the citadel, I recommend you go and explore the outside of the walls. There is a beautiful garden next to Porta da Vila (one of the gates to the citadel). Optionally, stop by the Cano Fountain, also known as the Queen’s Fountain.
5. Church and Convent of São Francisco, Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Saúde and Church of São Bento
Also around Bragança Castle are three churches that you can visit before heading down to the city center. They are all on Rua de São Francisco, near the castle gardens. In the surrounding area, I would also highlight the murals with art associated with the battles of the medieval era.
Visit the museums road in Bragança – Rua Abílio Beça
Rua Abílio Beça is known as the road of museums. For me, it’s the city’s main street, connecting the base of the hill where the castle stands to Praça da Sé, the most beautiful square in Bragança.
1. Abade de Baçal Museum
The Abade de Baçal Museum was founded in 1915 and today has exhibitions of archaeology, painting and drawing, sculpture, goldsmithery and furniture. You can find out more about it, its history, opening times and prices on the official website.
2. Bragança Sephardic Memorial and Documentation Center
The space is that of a Synagogue, and its exhibitions aim to present the rituals and festivals associated with the descendants of Jews in Bragança (Sephardim), and their history in the region. It is necessary to book a visit to the museum; you can find out more on the official Bragança Tourism website.
3. Interpretation Center for the Sephardic Culture of the Northeast of Trás-os-Montes
In the same style as the previous one, but open to the public without the need for an appointment. They complement each other.
4. Georges Dussaud Photography Center
It contains an exhibition of images and portraits photographed by the Frenchman Georges Dussaud, mostly in black and white. For example, I would highlight the rooms dedicated to India.
5. Graça Morais Contemporary Art Center
At the Contemporary Art Center I really liked the permanent exhibition by the artist Graça Morais, or at least the room lined with newspapers. I thought it was brilliant! Apart from that, I confess it was a disappointment: I didn’t consider what I saw in the temporary exhibition to be “art”, but I’ll leave some photos below so you can draw your own conclusions.
6. Church of São Vicente, Casa do Arco, Church of Nossa Senhora das Graças, and Church of Misericórdia
Finally, I’d like to highlight Casa do Arco and some of the churches you’ll find on Rua Abílio Beça or in the surrounding area:
- Casa do Arco: the coat of arms of the Pimentéis House stands out above the arch, which is why it is also called Solar dos Pimentéis.
- Church of São Vicente: it is located in a small square with a monument to those who died in France during the First World War. The church’s exterior features a fountain dating from the 18th century and tile panels.
- Church of Nossa Senhora das Graças, in honor of the city’s patron saint, built in the 16th century. It was once part of a nunnery.
- Church of Misericórdia: the most beautiful, with a main façade covered in 19th century tiles. The interior consists of two chapels, one dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia and the other to Senhor dos Passos.
Visit the Cathedral Square and Camões Square in Bragança
These are the city’s two main squares, the former being the prettier of the two.
From Cathedral Square you’ll see Bragança Castle in the background, at the top of the hill on which it stands. There you’ll find a 17th century cross and the old Cathedral of Bragança, also known as Church of São João Baptista, built in the 16th century. As far as the church is concerned, the cloister and sacristy stand out.
As for Camões Square, it’s impossible to ignore the Municipal Library of Bragança. There you’ll also find the ruins of the city’s old market.
Visit the surrounding area of River Fervença in Bragança
After you visit Camões square, it’s a quick descent to the banks of River Fervença. There you’ll find Fervença Green Corridor, a beautiful pedestrian walkway along the river.
1. Bragança Science Center and Silk House
These are two museums in Bragança that you’ll find right by the River Fervença and Green Corridor. There is a combined ticket to visit both. The first is dedicated to science, with small didactic and interactive exhibitions. I remember, for example, the machine that replicated the formation of a tornado, and the information panels about the planets in the solar system.
The Silk House, on the other hand, is dedicated to the silkworm and the history and importance of silk in Bragança. I remember the little box that showed the life cycle of the silkworm, and the video about the legend of the last silk butterfly that flew. On the lower floor of the Silk House I had my first ever experience of virtual reality.
2. Fervença Urban Park and Polis Zone
Then there’s the city’s greenest area, the Urban Park and Polis Zone on the banks of River Fervença. It’s certainly a pleasant place to take a stroll or do some physical exercise. It’s a popular spot for the inhabitants of Bragança.
Visit João da Cruz Avenue Garden
Returning to the historic center, I must point out the garden on Avenue João da Cruz, next to Bragança Municipal Theatre. There you’ll find a very large fountain that lights up spectacularly at night.
Discover Bordallo II in Bragança
Bordallo II’s urban art is also present in Bragança, in 3 different works: the Chameleon and Ginette, side by side, and then the Wild Boar. I found them already in a bad state of conservation, even a bit vandalized, so I hope you can still see them during your visit.
Visit Bragança National Railway Museum
Finally comes the best museum in Bragança, in my opinion. Here you’ll find old locomotives and train carriages next to the disused Bragança train station. You can learn about the history of the train line that used to run through Bragança, which was closed in 1992. Did you know that Bragança hasn’t had a train since then?
I found it curious that garden benches were placed on top of the old train tracks. They changed it into an excellent space for leisure and socializing. 😉
Visit the outskirts of the city of Bragança
Nos arredores da cidade, há que dar prioridade aos miradouros. De todos os sítios que mencionarei nesta secção são o que considero mesmo obrigatório!
1. Viewpoint of São Bartolomeu
The best spot is clearly São Bartolomeu viewpoint, from where you can see the whole city and Bragança Castle in the distance. On the way there, you’ll pass two other viewpoints that give you a closer view of the castle and citadel, which is why they’re called the Citadel and Castle Viewpoints. I’ve marked the three viewpoints on the map in this article.
2. Citadel Viewpoint
3. Castle Viewpoint
4. New Cathedral of Bragança
The New Cathedral of Bragança was built at the beginning of this century. It replaced the old Bragança Cathedral, which I’ve already mentioned in this article. It’s a modern church, which is optional for me.
5. S. João de Deus Fort Memorial Center
It is very close to Bragança’s New Cathedral, and also to the Town Hall. It stands where the Fort of São João de Deus used to be, and today contains exhibitions about the military presence in Bragança.
6. Ruins of the Castro de Avelãs Monastery
The Monastery of Castro de Avelãs was a Benedictine monastery of São Salvador. It became extinct in the 16th century. I would highlight the brick cladding that still survives and the tomb under the arch on the side.
Visit the Basilica of Santo Cristo de Outeiro and the Ruins of Outeiro Castle
Outeiro is on the edge of the municipality of Bragança, not far from Quintanilha, a village in Montesinho Natural Park. The Basilica of Santo Cristo, dating from the 17th or 18th century, is one of the most imposing churches in Bragança.
Next to the village of Outeiro is its castle, or in this case, ruins. You should climb up to them for the best views over the region. The castle dates back to the reign of King Dinis (end of the 13th century), but was built on top of a previous one whose origin is unknown. It is known, however, that there has been human occupation there since Roman times.
Visit the most beautiful villages of Bragança in Montesinho Natural Park
If you’re looking for a route to discover Bragança’s best villages in Montesinho Natural Park, I want you to know that I have an article dedicated to that.
I’ve already told you which are my favorites (Montesinho, Aveleda, Rio de Onor, Guadramil, and Gondesende), but below you’ll find more information and photos about each of them and others that I also consider a must-see.
1. Gondesende
Gondesende is one of my favorites. It’s picturesque, very well preserved and has tourist houses for overnight stays.
2. Vilarinho
Vilarinho stands out in the park for having the Apimonte headquarters there, where you can buy honey from chestnut hives in Montesinho Natural Park. I also recommend the honeycomb, which you can eat by the spoonful: delicious! 😀 As a curiosity, Apimonte honey won already several medals for its quality.
Did you also know that it was near this village that traces were found of a brown bear passing through the north of Portugal from northern Spain? Some say that in a few years’ time it’s very likely that we’ll have brown bears in the country, and that the most likely place is the Montesinho Natural Park.
There is also a trail that you can follow from Vilarinho. It’s the PR4 – Ribeira de Ornal. It’s a total of about 8km, and highlights include the Ornal Stream and a stretch of the Baceiro river.
3. Cova da Lua
The nearby Nossa Senhora da Hera picnic park is a highlight.
4. Montesinho
From Montesinho I’d like to highlight the beautiful, flowery and well-preserved village. Don’t forget the dirt road that you can follow to the highest part of the Natural Park. There you’ll find Casa da Lama Grande, Serra Serrada Dam and Veiguinhas Dam.
Casa da Lama Grande was a former shelter run by the park. Unfortunately it was abandoned and later vandalized, and is now occupied only by cows (at least when I visited, a real sanctuary!).
From Montesinho, you can start a walking route: PR3 – Porto Furado.
5. Gimonde
Gimonde stands out for its bridges over River Onor, near its mouth on River Sabor. You have to cross the river both on the old bridge and on the path of alpondras (“stones”) over it.
There is also a walking route from Gimonde: PR8 – Rota da Malara.
6. França
The village of França “is without Paris”, mind you! That’s how the locals present it. It has a beautiful river beach, and on the outskirts there’s an equestrian center where you can come into contact with horses. Note that França is the Portuguese word for “France”, so you will be visiting France without leaving Portugal. 😀
7. Aveleda
The village of “the donkey” in Montesinho Natural Park, on the banks of the Aveleda stream. Very cute, very authentic, still not very touristy, which is good! 😉
8. Varge
It’s usually a village you pass through on your way to or from Rio de Onor. Don’t forget to climb up to the viewpoint of the village from the church, and to go to the windmills a short distance from the center, next to the river.
9. Rio de Onor
Rio de Onor is a wonder of Portugal and a community village on the border with Spain. On the Spanish side it’s called Rihonor, and there’s a waterfall that may have water in the winter months: ask the locals where it is, they’ll be sure to help you. 😉
There is also a walking trail: PR11 – The Portuguese side of Rio de Onor.
10. Guadramil
Guadramil is an old village with schist roofs in Montesinho Natural Park. Although touristy and well known, it still retains its authenticity, just as I mentioned for Aveleda.
It is said that it is in the area around Guadramil that it is easiest to spot roe deer and deer in the wild. There is a hiking trail there that you can follow: the PR12 – Rota dos Cervídeos.
Don’t forget to go up to Guadramil Church for a beautiful viewpoint over the village.
11. Quintanilha
Finally, Quintanilha. I’d like to highlight the Colado picnic area, with an excellent river beach, and the walking route you can take from the village: PR1 + PR2 – Rio Maçãs.
Other villages in Montesinho Natural Park (optional)
I’ve visited several other villages and some of them have beautiful corners, but I don’t consider them unmissable. I’ve left some photos of them below. If you identify with any of the villages, go and explore them too! 😉
1. Deilão and Vila Meã
2. São Julião de Palácios
3. Palácios
4. Petisqueira
5. Babe
6. Caravela
7. Baçal
8. Rabal
9. Oleirinhos
10. Meixedo
11. Portelo
12. Espinhosela
13. Terroso
Things to do in Bragança surrounding municipalities
Make a point of reading my article with an itinerary for visiting the region of Trás os Montes, in the north-east of Portugal. In that article you’ll find lots of information and tips about what to do around Bragança, particularly in the other municipalities in the district: Vinhais, Mirandela, Macedo de Cavaleiros, Vila Flor, Carrazeda de Ansiães, Torre de Moncorvo, Vimioso, Alfândega da Fé, etc.
Also check out my article on the Douro International Natural Park, which is so close by, and so impressive! 😉
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
I hope you enjoyed this article and list of best things to do in Bragança. Have a nice stay in my country! 😉
