Amidst the shouting of the excited people, a gladiator dodges a sword strike, knocks down his opponent’s weapon and then immobilizes him. The crowd surrounding the arena gives thumbs up and down, deciding the fate of the dominated fighter.
The scene is part of Braga Romana, a major event promoted annually by the municipality of Braga, in Portugal, to celebrate and relive an important part of its history in a playful way.
Around 16 BC, Emperor Augustus raised that territory of the Roman Empire in the Iberian Peninsula to the status of a city, naming it Bracara Augusta. This is the origin of the name of Braga, the third largest city in the country.
Associated with religious tourism, Braga offers other possibilities, such as Braga Romana. In 2021, the city was voted the best European destination in a poll by the European Best Destinations website.
Those who like to get to know a destination using their palate can explore Lusitanian cuisine in several restaurants, pastry shops, cafes and bars, both in the historic center and in other regions of the city. From the local tradition, special mention should be made of codfish à Braga, served with potatoes and a sauce with peppers and onions; and the frying pan, a kind of fried puff pastry empanada stuffed with ground meat.
The Frigideiras do Cantinho restaurant, founded in 1796, is the reference for the dish, which can be ordered at one of the tables or at the counter of the establishment, which, in 1996, was covered with an archaeological value. That year, some excavations revealed traces of a house from Roman times.
Braga’s arts also offer a good diversity of experiences. Among the historic buildings and museums, where you can see a rich collection, contemporary art is very present.
In 2017, Braga was named Unesco’s Creative City in the field of Media Arts. Spaces such as the Gnration and Zet Gallery present installations, multimedia works of art and shows of different styles. The University of Minho has several research projects in the arts.
Those who want to unite physical exercise and faith can follow the famous Camino de Santiago. Braga is part of one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela and receives many pilgrims. Those who don’t have the time or physical fitness to go that far will not be disappointed, as they can visit Braga’s renowned religious heritage.
The sanctuaries of Bom Jesus do Monte and Nossa Senhora do Sameiro are located on top of hills, with views over the city and region.
The famous Bom Jesus has a historic funicular and a staircase with more than five hundred steps, decorated with exuberant sculptures and architectural elements from the Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical periods.
The legacy of sacred art goes beyond the sacred hills and can be visited on foot, through the historic center and surroundings. Among the many buildings, the Cathedral stands out, the oldest cathedral in the country, erected before the founding of Portugal. Therefore, when they want to say that something is old, many Portuguese use the expression “this is older than the Cathedral of Braga”.
Culture and the arts, in a broader sense, are in the city’s architecture and in the many outdoor festivities. Braga Romana, mentioned at the beginning of the report, is a five-day celebration, during which children and adults walk through environments and follow events that recreate the life of Roman society.
The region’s airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro, in Porto. You can take a direct bus or train, which takes about an hour. Another option is to rent a car, as distances between cities are short.
I have worked as a journalist for over 10 years, and my work has been featured on many different news websites. I am also an author, and my work has been published in several books. I specialize in opinion writing, and I often write about current events and controversial topics. I am a very well-rounded writer, and I have a lot of experience in different areas of journalism. I am a very hard worker, and I am always willing to put in the extra effort to get the job done.
