Discover Braga, an elegant town laced with ancient narrow lanes closed to vehicles, strewn with plazas and a splendid array of baroque churches. Find out why this ancient city – a former stronghold of the Roman empire – was selected as the 2012 European Capital of Youth.

The city of Braga, named “Bracara Augusta” by the Romans, has more than 2000 years of history. In 1070, D. Pedro, the first Bishop of Braga, organized the Diocese, driving the city's development. The urban area grew around the Cathedral. In an environment of religious fervor, convents and churches were built over the centuries. The city still preserves the prestige of the country's religious capital.

Besides the “Arco da Porta Nova”, the city's entrance door, Braga is also known for the splendid 18th-century houses, its gardens and parks. The garden of Santa Barbara, for instance, is located next to the Medieval wing of the Episcopal Palace. The Biscainhos Palace has one of the most beautiful gardens from the Baroque period in Portugal. The archaeological heritage is vast, including the Roman Thermal Springs in the parish of Cividade. Braga’s Cathedral is also the oldest in the country and was built in the 12th century by the parents of Portugal’s first King, D. Henrique and D. Teresa, who are buried there.

One hour away from Porto (and easily reachable by train), Braga is a perfect day trip from Porto. Join your guide at the Arch of the City for a leisurely stroll along the cobbled streets and the atmospheric squares of Braga's pedestrian-friendly city center and enjoy its hidden gems, both ancient and contemporary.