Given that Braga has almost four dozen places of worship , it is easy to understand why the Baroque city, one of the oldest in Portugal , has a reputation as the country's ecclesiastical capital. Every Easter, pious crowds flock here for Holy Week (Semana Santa), and most tourists come from Porto.
We will make our journey to find out why this ancient city-a former stronghold of the Roman Empire-was chosen as 2012 as the capital of European youth .
Thanks to the large number of students and the constant influx of young Portuguese, Braga has a lot to offer culturally: museums, an eclectic atmosphere of bars and restaurants, and as a bonus, an adventure in the form of an excursion to the Peneda Geres national reserve .
Braga Pop Hostel
The warmth of a small town is immediately felt in Braga Pop Hostel, where its owner Elena Gomes offers her guests to feel like friends, not tourists. Peculiar signs with a wink in the form of a sign on the second floor of the stairwell with the inscription: "unfortunately ... but you still have another floor to climb "or on the third floor :" Hard stairs, isn't it ? But on the other hand , welcome. "they give a peculiar charm to this institution.
Thanks to the thoughtful interior and warm atmosphere, this place is so dynamic that it enjoys well-deserved popularity . "We want every visitor to be in a good mood here," says Elena, who acts as a hostel hostess, interior designer and art curator at the same time .
For those who are not fans of bunk beds , there are private rooms, and a common area-living room decorated with paintings by young artists . Elena sometimes takes walks to nearby cafes and invites guests to concerts . It also rents out bicycles for walking around the city.
Modern design at the Chapel Tree of Life, Braga, Portugal
We gave up the bike in favor of a leisurely walk through the cobblestone streets and pedestrian center of Braga . Noisy crowds of University students filled the street cafes and wine bars , and some of the great, old buildings began to serve as platforms for modern art or architecture .
So the exhibition of modern photography is housed in the Image Museum , which covers two historical buildings : one from the 19th century and a tower from the 14th , which used to be part of the original city wall. The innovative design at Tree of Life Chapel ( open to the public Fridays at 5 p.m. ) is housed in the centuries-old Seminary of San Pedro and Sao Paulo . This lattice structure , built entirely of wood (without nails or hinges), is permeated with light and recalls the tranquility of nearby forests, while providing a special strength of modern architecture.
Another center for art and cultural events is Livraria Centésima Página, a popular bookstore with an 18th-century facade and a lush garden. Like many centers in Braga, it is multifunctional - a cafe-bar, exhibition area, workshop and art gallery at the same time.
Centésima Página bookstore"
In fact, it was difficult to keep your attention solely on Braga's cultural offerings, especially when there were so many culinary delights on offer. A beautiful old mansion with iron and stone balconies is home to Spirito, a popular cafe that serves chocolate cupcakes on an outdoor patio littered with oversized lamps, with comfortable couches , sofas and pillows .
The main clientele is young people who enjoy fine ice cream.
The rhythm of the city is noticeably accelerated after dark , especially in the Central part of Braga . The sense of intimacy and compact size make it more attractive than large cities.
Cafe-bar " Spirito"
Even here, in the midst of fashionable surroundings , history is constantly present. In the Brac restaurant, you can enjoy a cocktail while looking at modern paintings against the backdrop of medieval ruins . The menu focuses on classic Portuguese ingredients , but you can also order octopus Carpaccio with olives .
A 10-minute walk from the hotel, Quatorze transforms from an art gallery into a night bar and concert hall, often with themed events merging music, food and film of a particular destination. In many cities, this will be the prerogative of middle age, but here people of all ages , from twenties to over 50, mix easily. Like many University cities , Braga has a creative energy that unites a wide variety of people , overcoming age, class and lifestyle . Instead of being stuck in the past, it continues to adapt and thrive, and looks to the future with a newfound sense of optimism .