Religious Temples

The Sanctuary of Sameiro is a place of pilgrimage and worship in the city of Braga. In addition, it’s the largest and most important center of devotion to the Virgin Mary in Portugal, after the Sanctuary of Fátima! Nowadays, the Sanctuary of Sameiro includes the Basilica and the Staircases, as well as squares, statues, and green spaces. Locals choose this spot to exercise, picnic, relax and watch the sunset. Mainly because the Sanctuary of Sameiro has the best panoramic views over Braga!

The Sanctuary of Penha is a Marian shrine located on Penha Mountain, the highest point in Guimarães. Designed by the architect José Marques da Silva, it was built between 1930 and 1947. Nowadays, the Sanctuary of Penha is considered one of the most emblematic works in Guimarães. But this “sacred place” on Penha Mountain is much more than a Catholic temple. In reality, it’s made up of chapels, caves, statues, fountains, boulders, viewpoints, gardens, parks, and many other structures!

Did you know that the Braga Cathedral is older than Portugal? Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the religious temple began to be built at the end of the 11th century – long before any other Portuguese cathedral! Although its architecture is primarily Romanesque, you can admire elements in other styles, such as Manueline and Baroque. To the left of the building, there’s the Treasure-Museum of the Braga Cathedral, a museum of sacred art where artifacts and relics from different centuries are exposed!