A trip to such a fabulous country as Portugal would not be so bright and exciting without visiting one of its oldest cities, whose history dates back more than two thousand years. It is not for nothing that Braga is called "the city of archbishops." This quiet and calm city is home to the true masterpieces of temple architecture, the most amazing of which is the 11th-century cathedral. Besides, the charming and light church bell chimes create a unique medieval atmosphere of provincial Portuguese cities. Majestic palaces and ancient temples have long adorned the historic center of Braga. However, the main gem of this land is hidden in its picturesque surroundings: in a charming flower valley in the middle of green hills.

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (meaning "Sanctuary of Jesus of the Mount") is a delightful architectural ensemble, which includes the Church of Bom Jesus do Monte, the zigzag stairway of Via Sacra, the oldest funicular in Portugal, and a marvelous park with memorial chapels, fountains, and sculptures. All parts of the ensemble stand at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level on the slope of Mount Espinho.

For the first time, the beautiful religious ensemble was mentioned in the 14th century, when a cross and the first chapel devoted to Holy Cross were erected on the top of the mountain. As the number of Catholic pilgrims to the small religious place increased every year, two more chapels were built on the mountainside soon. This is how the monastic Brotherhood of Bom Jesus do Monte appeared. The construction of the main church and the original stairway with grottoes, designed by the famous Portuguese engineer and architect Carlos Amarante, began at the end of the 18th century.

Today, this impressive architectural ensemble is one of the main attractions of the country and the hallmark of Braga. The magnificent stone stairway leads to the top of the mountain, connecting the ancient chapels, decorated with sculptural compositions on the scenes of the Passion of Christ. You can get to the main temple not only by this stairway but also by the oldest functioning funicular in the world. This magnificent ensemble of medieval sacred architecture ends with a wonderful garden with a bizarrely shaped lake and small picturesque islets.