How to visit Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, Portugal

Last Updated on March 27, 2024

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Braga is a city in Northern Portugal known as the religious center of the country. While there are several more things to do in Braga, there is no denying, that the main reason many visit the city is the spectacular sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. Sitting on the hilltop, 116 meters (381 f) high, it’s an important pilgrimage site and one of the most photographed churches in the world. Very recently, the spectacular sanctuary became the UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you visit, you’ll see that this is well deserved.

The chances are that if you ever came across images of Bom Jesus in Braga, it was the Baroque stairway that caught your attention. The dark granite and white plaster staircase zigzags all the way to the top, leading to the church. Both the staircase and the church were commissioned by Archbishop of Braga in 1722. If you are traveling through Northern Portugal or are based in Porto for a few days, adding a visit to Bom Jesus is simply a must.

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For more ideas what to do in Braga read Things to do in Braga, Portugal in one day

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Visiting Bom Jesus in Braga – what to expect

Staircase

Even though you’re climbing the stairs towards the church, it’s the beautiful staircase, that is the highlight of the visit. I found it surprising how many people skip that part and head straight to the top via funicular, missing out on what I think is the biggest highlight of visiting Bom Jesus. Even though the climb involves lots of steps, the stairway is simply stunning, with many fountains and statues with a symbolical meaning attached to them, so typical for a religious site.

The staircase is divided into two parts. The first, bottom part is Stairway of Five Senses ( Escadaria do Cinco Sentidos ) with 5 fountains dedicated to 5 senses: touch, smell, taste, sight and sound. The bottom of this part is also where you get the famous, spectacular view of the perfectly symmetrical zigzag staircase and the church on top.

The second part of the climb is the Escadaria das Tres Virtudes, with 3 fountains dedicated to the Three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity.

One of the best things about climbing the steps are the stunning views, especially on your way down. There are a few platforms along the way, where you can stop and admire the breathtaking views of Braga and the mountains.

Speaking of the steps. There are quite a few of them to conquer before you reach the top of the hill. 577 total to be precise, if you count from the main entrance. The first 300 steps are wide, less steep and easily manageable. Along the way you’ll pass a few chapels, before you end up at the bottom of Stairway of Five Senses, which is where the zigzag staircase starts. From there it gets steeper, but there are a few platforms to stop, take a little rest and admire the views around.

The church

While the beautiful staircase is the most impressive part of Bom Jesus, the church at the top of the hill is also worth a visit. Especially after you climbed more than 500 steps to get there. Built 1784 and 1834, it’s a great example of Neoclassical style. The highlight of the church is the main altar depicting the crucifixion scene.

Park and gardens

The grounds surrounding the sanctuary are quite expansive with beautiful gardens and forest. If you walk behind the church there are a few trails, a lagoon and some good look out points to the West of Braga.

There’s also an outdoor cafe with a nice view, that serves coffee, snacks and beer.

Bom Jesus Funicular

If climbing the steps is absolutely out of the question, there is a way to get to the top in just 3 minutes without the workout. All thanks to an antique funicular, that runs from the bottom all the way to the top. This is actually an experience in itself. The funicular, built in 1882, it’s entirely powered by water. It runs daily from 8 am – 8 pm, and a single trip costs €2 (€3 round trip). This is also a great option for people with any kind of mobility issues.

If this is how you choose to reach the top of the hill, keep in mind that the funicular goes all the way to the top. So in order to enjoy the famous view of the zigzag staircase, you’ll have to descend 250 steps.

PRO TIP: For the best of both worlds, ride the funicular to the top, but take the steps down. You’ll get to experience the antique funicular, walking down the stunning staircase and the sweeping views on the way down.

How to get to Braga from Porto

Braga is located 55 km ( 34 miles ) from Porto and easily reachable by a local train. Trains depart almost every hour from Porto’s main train station São Bento and reach Braga in just 1 hour. It’s a very easy and cheap day trip. A round trip ticket from Porto to Braga will cost you € 2-6, depending on the day and time you travel.

Check the train timetable and tickets

Getting to Bom Jesus

The sanctuary is located in Tenões, just outside of Braga. It’s easy to get there from the city center by a local bus #2. The ride takes about 20 minutes and one way ticket costs €1.65 (bought directly from the driver ). There are a couple of bus stops where you can catch the bus. If you want to go straight from Braga’s train station, there is a bus stop right in front of it. The bus will have Bom Jesus displayed up front. If you are already in town center, you can catch the bus on Avenida da Liberdade.

You will know you’re at your destination when the bus reaches the big hill. The last stop is right by the entrance to the Antique Funicular.

Admission and opening hours

Visiting Bom Jesus do Monte is actually one of the completely free things to do in Braga and there’s no admission to enter the sanctuary. You can climb the staircase, visit the church and walk around the grounds for free. Your only cost will be if you decide to ride the funicular, and the bus fare to get you there from the center of Braga.

Bom Jesus is open daily from 8 am – 7 pm in the summer and 8 am – 6 pm in the winter.

Organized trips

If you’d rather leave all the logistics of visiting Bom Jesus to someone else, a few companies offer organized trips from Porto. Many combine Braga with a visit to nearby Guimarães. Just 25 km ( 15 miles ) apart, the highlights of both towns can be seen in one day.

Where to stay near Bom Jesus do Monte

If you wish to stay on the hill top near Bom Jesus, there are 4 hotels located near the sanctuary. While they might differ in the amenities they offer, they do have one thing in common, and that is the amazing location. Being located on the hill near Bom Jesus do Monte, they offer some pretty amazing views of Braga and surrounding mountains.

Hotel do Parque – this hotel is in the prime location, right next to Bom Jesus church. They offer spacious rooms in a beautiful building.

Hotel do Lago – this 3 star hotel is in a great location and offers great value for money.

Hotel do Elevador – located at the top of the hill in a 19th century building.

Hotel do Templo – right by the church, the hotel’s location is the highlight. It also has a nice heated pool.

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READ NEXT:

• Best day trips from Porto, Portugal
• Best things to do in Porto, Portugal in 3 days
• 10 days in Portugal – the perfect itinerary by train

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