Plan a trip to Braganca

Braganca, a beautiful and well-preserved medieval village, is located in northeastern Portugal in the Tras-os-Montes region of Portugal. Tras-os-Montes, meaning “behind the mountains” best describes this most remote region which was cut off from the world by three mountain ranges. 

Braganca was an important outpost in the centuries of battles fought between Spain and Portugal, and its extraordinary castle, the Citadel, is perched at the top of a plateau close to the Spanish border. Dominating the city, the castle served as a fortress and had great strategic importance. Both the castle and its walls date back to the 12th century, and its watchtowers are imposing. The pillory rising from the back of the castle is said to date back to the 16th century, and the Museu Militar located in the restored 18th century section has an interesting collection of military artifacts. There are spectacular views of the city from the top of the Citadel.

Braganca’s beautiful walled Old Town features characteristic narrow cobblestone streets lined with small, red-roofed houses and small cafes and handicraft shops.

Today, Braganca is an agricultural trade center for wine, olive oil, grains, and livestock. There is little industry, though there is some manufacture of textiles. The new city is modern, with wide streets and tall buildings, a performance center, and museums dedicated to the folk traditions of the region, including the Museu Iberico da Mascara e Traje, a fascinating and colorful collection of ancient pagan masks.

Braganca is also home to some beautiful churches, including the 16th century Igreja da Sao Bento which boasts a Renaissance stone gate and a magnificent painting on the vaulted ceiling of the nave.