Bragança

  1. Home
  2.   /  
  3. Bragança

It is one of the largest cities in Trás-os-Montes region, in an area where history and nature go hand in hand. District capital, Bragança owes part of its dynamism to the Polytechnic Institute, which welcomes students from all over the country. Its history is quite ancient, with the first references to the current toponymy dating back to the 6th century and, in the past, its territory was occupied by the Romans, Suevi, Visigoths and Moors. The medieval traces are well-preserved, as is the Castle, one of the most visited monuments in the county, whose keep offers a beautiful panoramic view. The Montesinho Natural Park, which also covers the neighboring municipality of Vinhais, is another must-visit place. In gastronomy, the smoked meat stands out, but also the Mirandesa Steak, the lamb and the kid.

What to do in Bragança

Rio de Onor

Bragança

Portuguese-Spanish village inserted in the protected area of the Montesinho Natural Park. It stands out for preserving ancestral customs, such as the community regime of property and land use, and for the unique dialect of its inhabitants. The houses, built in schist and with porch balconies, are beautiful examples of regional architecture. The village is "divided" into Rio de Onor …

Corredor Verde do Fervença / Parque Urbano do Fervença

Bragança

Large and very pleasant green space that was born around the Fervença river, occupying an extension that goes from the citadel to the urban expansion zone. It is an element of reference in the daily life of Bragança, guided by the presence of the river and the view over the Monte de São Bartolomeu. It is developed in two sections: …

Castelo de Bragança

Bragança

Built in the twelfth century, and classified as a National Monument since 1910, it is one of the best preserved castles in Portugal, with its distinguished Keep, considered one of the most beautiful military buildings in the country. Also, noteworthy is the elegant Citadel and the heart-shaped walls and its typical houses. On the north side of the walls, stands …

Barragem de Montesinho

Bragança

The Montesinho Dam, in Ribeira de Vilar, is part of the Natural Park with the same name. This area has an enormous diversity of flora and fauna, with special emphasis on the Iberian wolf.

Museu Militar de Bragança

Bragança

Set in the Castle Keep, it presents an important collection of great historical value that includes pieces of light weapons, from the 12th century to the First World War. Most of the original pieces were donated by inhabitants, who participated …

Cidadela de Bragança

Bragança

The Bragança's Citadel is worth a visit. Enter its fortified enclosure, looking at the doors, and discover the castle walls, the Keep, the Church of Santa Maria, the Domus Municipalis and the Pillory.

Miradouro da Cidadela

Bragança

From this viewpoint you can get an amazing view over the castle of Bragança, with the houses around it.

Solar dos Teixeiras / Fundação Os Nossos Livros

Bragança

This property of noble architectural design from the 17th century has a "mezzanine" on the upper floor of the facade that faces the street. The openings on the main floor have aprons, where treated volumes in the shape of diamond …

Domus Municipalis / Antigos Paços Municipais

Bragança

A National Monument since 1910, this peculiarly shaped building is the only example of Romanesque civil architecture in the entire Iberian Peninsula, which has a pentagonal shape. Located in the Cidadela area, it was built in the 13th century and, …

Solar dos Veiga Cabral / Centro de Arte Contemporânea Graça de Morais

Bragança

Building also called Solar dos Sá Vargas, which underwent several alterations in the 20th century, the balconies were restored, the main staircase of the building removed and the windows on the upper floor placed. In 1947, a Bank of Portugal …

Convento e Igreja de São Francisco

Bragança

Built in the 13th century to house the mendicant order of San Francisco, it underwent several renovations in the following centuries, with the Mannerist façade dating back to 1635. In the second half of the 19th century, in the convent …

Sé Catedral de Bragança

Bragança

Inaugurated in 2001, it was the first cathedral to be built in Portugal in the 21st century. Designed by the architect Vassalo Rosa, it occupies an area of 10 thousand square meters and features contemporary architecture, with an amphitheater distribution …

Parque Natural de Montesinho

Bragança

With around 75,000 hectares, it is one of the largest protected natural areas in Portugal and a must-see for anyone arriving in this region where nature has been very generous. The Serra de Montesinho is characterized by its rounded hills …

Museu Abade de Baçal

Bragança

Installed in the building of the former Bishop's Palace of Bragança, this museum includes collections of Sacred Art, Epigraphy, Archaeology, Jewellery, Ethnography, Furniture and Painting, in which paintings by José Malhoa, Abel Salazar and 70 drawings by Almada Negreiros stand …

Museu Ibérico da Máscara e do Traje

Bragança

Located in Cidadela, this museum aims to promote the traditions associated with masks from the Northeast of Trás-os-Montes and the Spanish region of Zamora. Visitors can appreciate masks, costumes and other objects used in the popular “Winter Parties” in Trás-os-Montes …

view more

Travel Guide

Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions

Glamping in Portugal: 10 Dream Camping Locations

Glamping, or luxury camping, brings together the best of both worlds: communion with Nature in its purest state and all…

view more

Where to eat in Bragança

view more

Where to sleep in Bragança

Pousada de Bragança
Pousada de Bragança

Charm inn

Pousada de charme that embraces the city and provides a beautiful view of the same, with the featured Castle. Has 28 very comfortable rooms, a restaurant that …

Casa da Mestra
Casa da Mestra

This friendly, rustic House, located in the village of Gimonde, in the Montesinho Natural Park, was originally the home of the teachers who were deployed to sc…

view more

Near Bragança

Freixo de Espada à Cinta

Freixo de Espada à Cinta

Situated at the southern end of Bragança district, the municipality of Freixo de Espada à Cinta borders Spain and is located in the heart of the Natu…

Mogadouro

Mogadouro

Embedded between the deep valley of the Douro river and the basin of the Sabor river, the municipality of Mogadouro occupies the Planalto Mirandês ex…

Vimioso

Vimioso

Situated in the extreme northeast of Portugal and integrated into the Cold Earth transmontana, the municipality of Vimioso presents a landscape that …

Macedo de Cavaleiros

Macedo de Cavaleiros

Macedo de Cavaleiros enjoys a remarkable natural heritage, with emphasis on the Paisagem Protegida da Albufeira do Azibo (protected landscape), a vas…