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Did you know that Braga was considered the happiest city in Portugal and that it is also one of the best cities in Europe to live in? Braga has been receiving a lot of attention over the years for being such a rich and special city. In this article, we will share with you a few curiosities about this city with more than 2000 years of history.

BRAGA IS THE OLDEST CITY IN PORTUGAL

Braga has a bimillennial history that began in Ancient Rome, when it was founded in 16 B.C. It was nicknamed Bracara Augusta in honor of the Roman emperor Augustus and was one of the most important cities of the time.

To relive this part of history, there is an annual event in Braga that takes us back to the past. It's called "Braga Romana" and takes place at the end of May. For 5 days, the people of Braga dress up and the city gathers events, parades, demonstrations, and the famous stalls with handmade products and food that goes back to that time.

Museum of Archaeology D. Diogo de Sousa and Alto da Cividade Roman Thermae are just two of the places where you can find Roman traces of that time and learn more about the city's history.

BRAGA IS A YOUNG CITY

Despite being the oldest city in Portugal, Braga contains a high percentage of young people, having been named European Youth Capital in 2012, and, in 2016, Ibero-American Youth Capital.

Today, Braga continues to stand out in this regard, and containing three institutes of higher education, Braga is a dynamic and youthful city.

BRAGA IS CONSIDERED THE “CITY OF BAROQUE” AND THE CENTER OF RELIGIOSITY IN PORTUGAL

Braga has a wide range of monumental buildings, as well as houses that date back to the baroque era - in the historic center alone there are more than 100 buildings that represent this same style. On a religious level, between baroque and other architectural styles, Braga has a very rich heritage and has a total of eighty-two churches, seventy-six chapels, two sanctuaries, one basilica and one cathedral, the Sé Catedral de Braga, which is the oldest in Portugal and has given rise to the much used expression “mais velho que a Sé de Braga” (older than the Braga Cathedral).

BRAGA ORGANIZES THE BIGGEST WHITE NIGHT IN EUROPE

In Braga, by the end of summer, a great event is celebrated - the White Night. This is the biggest "White Night" in Europe and, as the name suggests, the city is decorated with white elements, and the population goes out on the streets dressed in the same color.

The program includes several cultural activities, and at night the population of Braga gathers, socializing in the city center to watch concerts and dance. In 2018, more than 500 thousand people joined the party!

IN BOM JESUS DO MONTE THERE IS A VERY PECULIAR ELEVATOR

There is no doubt that Bom Jesus do Monte is one of the most emblematic places in the city, not only for religious reasons, but also for the wonderful panoramic view it provides and for the walks you can take here, in contact with Nature.

However, its most unusual element is the elevator that was placed here. It is at Bom Jesus that you will find the first funicular on the Iberian Peninsula - this is the oldest elevator in the world to use the water counterweight system, in which you can experience in three minutes, a short ''trip'' to the Sanctuary. If you don't want to climb the stairs, this is the best alternative to get there!

THE FAMOUS ABADE DE PRISCOS PUDDING IS FROM BRAGA

One of the country's best known and most delicious desserts is the pudding invented by Manuel Joaquim Rebelo, known as Abade de Priscos. This catholic abbot gained recognition in Portuguese gastronomy for his talent in the kitchen, and being from Braga, his best-known recipe became associated with the city.

THE ARCO DA PORTA NOVA (ARCH OF THE NEW GATE) GAVE ORIGIN TO THE FAMOUS EXPRESSION “ÉS DE BRAGA?” (ARE YOU FROM BRAGA?)

One of the most symbolic places in the city of Braga is the Arco da Porta Nova - the city's gate at the time when a wall was built around it. It was Archbishop D. Diogo de Sousa who at the beginning of the 16th century, at a time when the city was no longer in danger of invasion, ordered the city's door to be opened, and thus the people of Braga became known for "leaving the door open," which explains the popular expression when someone doesn't close the door.

IN 2018, BRAGA WAS AWARDED THE TITLE OF EUROPEAN CITY OF SPORT

Another title that distinguishes the city of Braga, this time related to sports. It was in Brussels that, with over 300 thousand spectators, the city was recognized for all its dynamism and encouragement to the practice of sports, with a strong promotion in the dissemination of sports activities among the population of Braga.

SÃO JOÃO DE BRAGA IS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING POPULAR FESTIVALS IN THE COUNTRY

Another Portuguese festival in the heart of the city. São João de Braga is one of the best-known popular festivals in Portugal and takes place precisely at the time of the Popular Saints festivities that can be found all over the country. It's traditional to eat barbecued sardines and go to the streets with hammers (plastic ones!) and leeks, hammering those who pass by. This date, which is also characterized by basil, is celebrated between friends and family, prolonging the entertainment through the night.

IN BRAGA, CHRISTMAS IS CELEBRATED WITH BANANAS AND MUSCAT WINE

Casa das Bananas, located on Rua de Souto, is the establishment where citizens of Braga go to spend some time among friends before the Christmas dinner on December 24. The "Bananeiro", as the tradition is called, started with a small group of friends who used to gather here before Christmas dinner, but soon ended up involving the whole town. The tradition calls for eating a banana and drinking a glass of muscat wine while wishing friends and acquaintances a Merry Christmas.