Europe is the land of epic, majestic, and centuries-old cathedrals.
Every morning, the air pulses with the chimes of church bells and every cityscape is marked with the distinctive silhouettes of spires and towers. Within these mighty structures, you are welcomed by vaulted ceilings, golden altars, and exquisite stained glass. You can’t help but be humbled. There is so much history pressed into these stone walls.
And yet, most travellers exploring Europe will eventually experience something we like to call, cathedral fatigue.
Your memories of all these great cathedrals start to blur together. And you suddenly find yourself less transfixed by the church bells, the stained glass, and the historic altars.
But every now and again, you discover somewhere undeniably extraordinary. A place that pierces through the blur. The spell of being unimpressed is broken- and you are enchanted once again.
The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, Portugal is one of those places.
Although the 18th-century Basilica of Bom Jesus is awe-inspiring, the appeal of these sacred grounds is so much bigger than just that. Here, you will discover the Sacred Way: a series of long stairways dotted with chapels, fountains, and statues. There are Eden-esque gardens, holy caves, a whimsical lake with little boats, and incredible panoramic views to behold.
To put it simply, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is magic.
In this detailed guide, we cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Bom Jesus. This includes the history, how to get there, and other essential tips. Enjoy!
