Program

Located in the north of Portugal, the Minho region borders on Galicia (Spain), in the north, and the Atlantic Ocean, in the west. With a population of over 1.1 million inhabitants, the region is often associated with the green of its natural scenery, where water is in abundance. Minho is also typically characterized by a mountainous terrain of great beauty and biodiversity, which gradually becomes smoother as one reaches the river valleys and the countless beaches along the coastline. At present, the geographic area of the Minho region amounts to 4,700 km². The unique traditional landscape, marked by small fields, vineyards and corn fields, villages with granite structures and manor houses bring another dimension to the description of the region, together with the typical Minho hospitality, rich culinary tradition and vibrant customs, celebrations and popular festivals.

Braga is one of the youngest cities in Europe (considered the youngest city in Europe in 1989), making it a dynamic and energetic city. In the past 30 years, the district’s population has grown by over 25%. The district of Braga shows development and quality of life standards quite above the national average, only surpassed by the regions of Greater Porto and Greater Lisbon. Through ratios and statistics, this is an obvious fact. Allied with that is its strategic geographical position and its development which make this Portuguese district one of the most appealing regions for investment.

Braga also offers unique cultural and leisure opportunities in the country, with its nightlife, cinemas, theatres, exhibitions, museums and art galleries. It is a city full of culture and traditions, where history and religion coexist side by side with the technology industry and academic life.

Braga is one of the oldest Portuguese cities, as well as one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. It was founded in Roman times, under the name of Bracara Augusta and, today, it boasts 2000 years of history as a city. Located in the north of Portugal, in the Cávado Valley, Braga has roughly 174 thousand inhabitants. It is the centre of the Great Metropolitan Area of Minho (GAM), totalling about 800 thousand inhabitants.

When Portugal as a country was constituted, Braga was its only city. Braga is one of the oldest Portuguese cities, founded in Roman times, under the name of Bracara Augusta. It boasts 2000 years of history as a city. It is also one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. Remains of settlement in Braga date back thousands of years, certified as belonging to the Bronze Age.

Thus, the history of Braga can be divided in three periods: pre-history, Bracara Augusta and Braga.

Places to visit in Braga:
– Cathedral (“Sé”)
– Garden of Santa Bárbara
– Theatro Circo
– Historic center
– Bom Jesus – Sanctuary and Park
– Sameiro Sanctuary
– Soccer Stadium
– Tibães Monastery

More information in www.cm-braga.pt