Braga

Braga, city and concelha (municipality), northern Portugal. It lies at the head of the railway from Porto.

Probably founded in 296 bce by Carthaginians, Braga was called Bracara Augusta by the Romans. It served as capital of the Callaici Bracarii, a Celtic tribe, and was a meeting place for five strategic military roads. The city was taken successively by the Suebi (5th century) and the Visigoths (585). Braga is known as the place where the Visigoths renounced the Arian and Priscillianist heresies against Christ’s divinity and against sensual pleasures. It was taken by the Moors in 716 and recaptured by Ferdinand I, king of Castile and Leon, in 1040. From 1093 to 1147 it was the seat of the Portuguese court. Braga is an archiepiscopal see, and its archbishop is the primate of Portugal.

The city’s principal landmarks include a 12th-century cathedral, rebuilt during the 16th century in the blend of Moorish and florid Gothic styles known as Manueline; the 17th-century church of Santa Cruz; and a library that contains many rare books and manuscripts. On a hill about 3 miles (5 km) southeast stands the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, which is visited on Pentecost by thousands of pilgrims and is famous for its 18th-century architectural staircase. A short distance beyond it is Mount Sameiro, atop which is situated a colossal statue of the Virgin Mary. The University of Minho was founded in Braga in 1973.

The city’s industries include the manufacture of firearms, jewelry, cutlery, furniture, electronics, textiles, and hats. Large cattle fairs are held annually in June and September. Braga can be reached from Porto and Viana do Castelo by highway and railroad. Pop. (2001) city, 109,460; mun., 164,192; (2011 est.) city, 121,000; (2011) mun., 181,494.