Rua do Souto (Souto Street):

A bridge between the ancient and the modern, Souto Street is the main area of the historical centre of Braga. It was the main market street in medieval times. In the 16th and 17th centuries as the town grew, the Arco da Porta Nova (New Gateway Arch, projected by André Soares in 1772) started to symbolise the changes between the old baroque town and the new urban areas, like Campo das Hortas (Kitchen Garden Field).

Today it links the oldest city centre to the modern areas of Avenida Central (Central Avenue) and Avenida da Liberdade (Liberty Avenue). It is a walking-only area, as almost the entire old town centre, and having both high street and traditional shops it gives a colourful scenery to the area. During the Holy Week, most balconies are covered in deep lilac to welcome the several religious processions that take place during this part of the year.

Sé de Braga (Braga’s Cathedral):

Ordered by Count Henry of Borgogne in 1089 in accordance with the roman architectural style, the Cathedral continued to undergo changes right up to the end of 18th century. Because of this, the Cathedral is now a fascinating melting pot of different styles, from roman, gothic to manueline baroque. The main altar is considered one of the master pieces of the manueline religious sculpture.

Another remarkable example of this same style is the baptismal stone-cistern, positioned on the left when you enter the building. At the end of the Cathedral you will find the Coro Alto (High Coir) which you may appreciate in detail if you visit the Tesouro da Sé (Cathedral’s Treasury). The long row of chairs used by the priests during celebrations is one of the most important in Europe. On the opposite side, there are two impressive baroque organs with thousands of copper pipes. All this is only a sample of what can be seen if you take a couple of hours to visit Braga’s Cathedral.