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Bom Jesús do Monte, Braga

Photo © diegoperez74. View all images in our Bom Jesús do Monte Photo Gallery.
Photo © Pedro Lourenco Venda.
Photo © Renata F. Oliveira.
Photo © Alcino.

The Santuário Bom Jesús do Monte ("Shrine of Good Jesus of the Mountain") is a hilltop Catholic pilgrimage site just a few miles from Braga.

History

In 1722 the Archbishop of Braga commissioned the construction of a Sacred Way, so the faithful could walk the Stations of the Cross for penance and contemplation. It was completed in 1811. Although it has no associations with any visions or saints, it has been a popular place of pilgrimage ever since.

What to See

Made of dark granite covered in bright white plaster, the Sacred Way is a Baroque double staircase with several switchbacks. The numerous landings and the grounds of the sanctuary are filled with interesting gardens, grottoes, small chapels, sculptures, and allegorical fountains. The first fountain symbolizes the wounds of Christ, the next five the senses, and the final three the virtues.

The Baroque basilica at the top is 400 meters above sea level and provides visitors with a sweeping view of Braga, the beaches of Esposende and Viana do Castelo.

Festivals and Events

The most interesting time to visit Bom Jesus do Monte is during Holy Week or Semanta Santa (the week before Easter), when the Baroque stairway is climbed by penitents on their hands and knees. Another important pilgrimage takes place during Whitsun, six weeks after Easter.

Getting There

The top of the hill can be reached on foot, on a funicular, or by car (take the N103-3 road three miles SE of Braga).


Quick Facts on Bom Jesús do Monte

Site Information
Names:Bom Jesú S Do Monte; Bom Jesús do Monte; Santuário Bom Jesús do Monte; Shrine of Good Jesus of the Mountain
City:Braga
State:North Portugal
Country:Portugal
cat:Shrines; Sacred Mountains; Catholic Shrines
faith:Christianity; Catholic
style:Baroque
Dates:1722-1811
Status:active
Visitor and Contact Information
Location:Braga, Portugal
Coordinates:41.554766° N, 8.377075° W  (view on Google Maps)
Opening Hours:Daily 7:30am-8pm
Cost:Free
Phone:25/367-66-36
Lodging:View hotels near this location
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of Bom Jesús do Monte

Below is a location map and aerial view of Bom Jesús do Monte. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

  1. Santuário Bom Jesús do Monte - Frommers.com (accessed April 2009)
  2. Bom Jesus do Monte - Rough Guide to Portugal (accessed April 2009)

More Information

Article Info

Title:Bom Jesús do Monte, Braga
Author:Holly Hayes
Last updated:04/09/2009
Permalink:www.sacred-destinations.com/portugal/braga-bom-jesus-do-monte
Link code:<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/portugal/braga-bom-jesus-do-monte">Bom Jesús do Monte, Braga</a>