Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte
Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte
A UNESCO World Heritage site with a zigzagging baroque staircase climbing to a hilltop church, and a water-balance funicular from 1882 alongside it.
The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte sits on the Espinho hillside about 6 km east of Braga and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2019. Its most famous feature is the baroque staircase, about 116 m long with nearly 600 steps. The lower section is a chapel-lined Way of the Cross depicting Christ's Passion. The middle 'Stairs of the Five Senses' and the upper 'Stairs of the Three Theological Virtues' are decorated with fountains and statues, and the staircase switches back and forth up the hill to end at a neoclassical church completed at the end of the 18th century. At the summit are gardens, a small lake, and a lookout over Braga. The water-balance funicular, opened in 1882, is one of the oldest surviving water-counterweight cable railways in the world. A one-way ride costs about 2 euros, and it is recommended to ride up and walk down the staircase. The sanctuary is free to visit. Take Bus No. 2 from the city center, about 20 minutes.
Opening hours
Church approx. 08:00–19:00 (shorter in winter); grounds open all day; cable car approx. 09:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro
- Sanctuary of Santa Maria Madalena da Falperra
- Basilica of the Congregados
- Nogueira da Silva Museum
- Fonte do Ídolo
- Theatro Circo
- Palácio do Raio
- Praça da República & Avenida Central