Known in Roman times as Bracara Augusta and capital of Portugal's archbishops in the 12th century, Braga's long history is visible in its monuments and churches and it is still, perhaps, the country's main religious centre. The most splendid church is the cathedral, which displays various styles, from the Romanesque to the Baroque.

Braga is also proud of fine houses, especially from the 18th century, and pleasant gardens, while its outskirts have seen a great urban development in the past decades. This way the city keeps its solemn atmosphere and many of its traditions but has also a lively and modern commerce and lifestyle.

The religious processions of the Holy Week, in Easter, and the popular festival of S ão João ( Saint John), in late June, with fairs and dancing, are both worth seeing.

A splendid religious sanctuary lies on a forested slope near Braga: the Bom Jesus do Monte (Good Jesus of the Hill), which exhibits an immense granite stairway surrounded by white walls, fountains and statues (all depicting biblical and symbolic figures) and leading to a church on the summit with magnificent views.

In the centre of a quite densely populated region, Braga lies between tall hills and large fertile valleys, where fruit trees, vegetables, vineyards and corn are extensively cultivated. Regional food is often delicious, especially sweet recipes, like the pudim de abade de Priscos (Prisco's parish priest pudding), a sweet dessert made of bacon (!) flavoured with port, spices and lemon.

In 1975 the University of Minho was founded with a campus in Guimarães and another in Braga. Twenty one years later, in this same city, Eduarda and Diogo met during the festivities to welcome newcomers, and that is the reason why this marriage will be celebrated here in Braga.

HIGHLIGHTS:
- Souto Street and Braga's Cathedral.
- Bom Jesus do Monte (Good Jesus of the Hill) and Braga Municipal Stadium.