Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Bragança, Portugal

A beautiful ancient city divided into two distinct areas, Bragança’s elevated region is dominated by the citadel and castle, while the lower area along the banks of the Fervença River features the newer town, which, despite its name, contains structures such as the former cathedral dating back to the 1500s.

The medieval citadel and castle are remarkably well-preserved, showcasing original details and a tranquil neighborhood characterized by cobblestone streets protected by ancient walls. It is advisable to incorporate the surrounding countryside into your itinerary, whether by exploring the granite villages within Montesinho Natural Park or visiting the Blue Flag beach at the Azibo Reservoir.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Bragança:

1. Castle of Bragança

Dominating the skyline, the 15th-century keep rises majestically over Bragança’s citadel and is visible from considerable distances.

Measuring 17 meters in width and 33 meters in height, it was commissioned by King John I and constructed atop a previous stronghold from the 12th century.

Notably, this structure has required minimal restoration, allowing visitors to appreciate its authentic form as it has remained largely unchanged since the 15th century.

Gothic elements, such as the traceried windows and the coat of arms of King John’s Royal House of Avis, adorn the building.

The interior can be explored through the Military Museum, which we will discuss shortly, and visitors can access the roof for breathtaking views of the town and the lush landscapes of Montesinho Natural Park.

2. Domus Municipalis

This pentagonal granite structure located at the heart of the citadel has intrigued historians for over a century.

Its purpose remains uncertain, with most scholars estimating its construction in the 13th or 14th centuries.

It is speculated that it may have served as a cistern or a public assembly space.

Regardless, it stands as one of the few remaining examples of Romanesque civic architecture in Portugal, and visitors are encouraged to enter and draw their own conclusions.

The interior features semicircular arch windows that allow natural light to flow in, alongside a stone bench that encircles the first-floor space.

3. Citadel

Surrounded by crenelated walls and presided over by the castle, the medieval citadel sits atop a hill to the east of the new town.

Access to the citadel is through stone gateways, and once within the walls, visitors can ascend stairways to the battlements, experiencing the defenses akin to a medieval sentinel.

The citadel predates the existing castle, originating in the 1130s and characterized by its network of straight cobblestone paths.

This peaceful locale features artisan workshops along with a few bars and restaurants, providing a laid-back atmosphere.

To gain insight into local customs, visit the Museu Ibérico da Máscara e do Traje, which showcases the ritual masks and garments worn during regional festivals.

4. Museu do Abade de Baçal

Situated outside the citadel walls in the lower town lies Bragança’s former episcopal palace.

Converted into a museum at the outset of the 20th century, the building exhibits collections representing the entire Northeast Trasmontano region, including art, archaeological artifacts, and coins generously donated by local writers and military figures.

The museum is home to several remarkable religious treasures, such as a wooden ark for holy anointing oils, a triptych depicting the martyrdom of St Ignatius, and various Baroque polychrome statues.

In addition, the museum features the Manueline (16th-century) standard measures for liquids and weights, along with ancient hand-axes, arrowheads, funerary steles, coins, milestones, and ceramics that signify Bragança’s historical importance.

5. Sé Velha de Bragança

In 2001, Bragança inaugurated a new, purpose-built cathedral, which replaced this charming church in the new town that had never been suitably sized.

Nonetheless, the old cathedral remains a remarkable monument, originally constructed as a convent church in the 1560s before being adapted into a Jesuit college.

After the expulsion of the Jesuits from Portugal in the 18th century, it was repurposed as the cathedral.

Noteworthy features include the Renaissance portal, the triumphal arch adorned with the city’s emblem, and an altar boasting exquisite gold-painted woodwork from the 1700s.

6. Museu Militar De Bragança

Occupying all four floors of the keep, this military museum was first established in 1929 when the Portuguese 10th Infantry Regiment was stationed there.

After the army vacated the citadel, the museum relocated but was reinstated in 1983 along with its original collection.

The museum features a range of light arms including daggers, swords, rifles, and pistols dating from the 1200s to the First World War.

Among the more captivating exhibits are items from Portugal’s African campaigns in the late 19th century.

Noteworthy among these are personal belongings of Gungunhana, a tribal king who opposed Portuguese colonial rule and spent his final days in exile in the Azores.

7. Igreja Santa Maria

Adjacent to the Domus Municipalis within the citadel lies the oldest church in Bragança, though only the original Romanesque floor plan remains intact.

Subsequent renovations throughout the 1500s to 1700s introduced Renaissance and Baroque chapels.

Prior to entering, observe the Baroque portal flanked by prominent Solomonic columns embellished with vine motifs.

Inside, the painted barrel vault ceiling depicting the Assumption of Mary and the lavish Baroque altar in the main chapel stand out.

8. Igreja de Castro de Avelãs

The Benedictine monastery located three kilometers from the center of Bragança once held considerable authority and provided shelter and worship space for pilgrims on the Way of St James.

Constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries, it declined after being incorporated into the Miranda do Douro diocese in the 1500s.

The most striking feature is the Romanesque chevet of the church, characterized by three radiating apse chapels.

These chapels exhibit three tiers of slender, semi-circular blind arches, a design unique to the region.

9. Centro de Arte Contemporânea Graça Morais

The renowned contemporary artist, Graça Morais, shares a deep connection with Bragança, having attended school there during the 1960s.

This museum, established in 2008, features a dedicated space for her artwork, with exhibitions updated every few months.

Alongside these are temporary displays covering a variety of artistic disciplines.

Even for those who are not art enthusiasts, the architectural design warrants a visit: the center encompasses a modern annex built adjacent to a 17th-century hall formerly occupied by Banco de Portugal.

10. Centro Ciência Viva De Bragança

In 2007, a historical water mill and its accompanying hydroelectric plant along the Fervença River were transformed into an interactive science center and museum for children.

The distinctive architecture, featuring a modern glass facade and a riverside terrace with café seating, captivates adults as well.

Younger visitors can engage in subtly educational games and experiments covering topics such as wind energy, the environment, and recycling.

Exhibits within the old mill (Casa da Seda) focus on traditional silk production practices in the Trás-os-Montes region.

11. Montesinho Natural Park

For a temporary escape from urban life, one can venture into this natural park, which begins directly north of the town.

Spanning approximately 74,000 hectares, the park encompasses isolated villages nestled among granite peaks, lush meadows, moors, and oak woodlands.

This secluded area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, with approximately 70% of all recorded species in Portugal residing here.

This includes the Iberian wolf, which can pose challenges for farmers who have bred the resilient Transmontano cattle dog to defend their livestock.

Hikers and mountain bikers can traverse the Sabor, Maçãs, and Baceiro rivers, encountering Roman bridges, quaint hamlets, and still-functioning traditional watermills.

12. Aldeia de Montesinho

Nestled within the woodlands and meadows of the natural park lies the namesake village.

Montesinho is a charming locale characterized by well-maintained rustic stone houses featuring slate roofs and wooden balconies.

As you stroll along the cobblestone streets, breathtaking mountain vistas await around every corner.

One traditional residence houses an interpretation center for the natural park, illustrating its geology and indigenous species, along with the crafts and customs of the local inhabitants.

Nearby, one may find the 1,500-meter-long Serra Serrada hydroelectric dam, as well as the eerie remnants of the once-thriving Portelo mining complex.

13. Rio de Onor

Within the natural park, bordering Spain, lies this idyllic village that resembles an outdoor museum.

The village’s remote location and the challenging local environment fostered a unique lifestyle known as “aldeia comunitária” or community village.

Inhabitants share almost all needs for survival, including livestock, farmland, tools, and ovens, with a collective expectation for each individual to contribute.

Additionally, Rio de Onor has established a self-governing system and even developed its own dialect, although this is now in decline.

14. Albufeira do Azibo

A designated protected landscape surrounds this reservoir, located a short drive south of Bragança.

The surrounding greenery supports an array of wildlife, including eagles, great-crested grebes, herons, storks, and harriers.

Information signs along the trails surrounding the reservoir guide visitors on what they might observe.

The reservoir is particularly appealing during the summer when the north shore features Fraga da Pegada, a beach that is annually awarded the Blue Flag.

For relaxation, there’s a restaurant with an outdoor terrace and a playground for children.

15. Local Cuisine

The culinary offerings in Bragança are straightforward, hearty, and sourced locally.

In a region where winters can be particularly harsh, meat features prominently in most dishes.

Highlights include Mirandesa veal steak, derived from cattle that graze in lime groves, and Montsinho goat kid, which forages on wild herbs found in the hills.

A variety of aromatic and robust stews, often based on game such as rabbit or whatever ingredients are available, are commonplace, and cured meats are a frequent accompaniment.

One notable dish, chouriço de mel, is made with honey and is frequently served as a dessert!