Bragança

Bragança, a city in northeastern Portugal, sits on a hilltop near the Spanish border. Its medieval citadel contains a 15th-century castle and the rare Domus Municipalis, a 12th-century pentagonal building. The city is home to several museums, including one dedicated to traditional masks and costumes. Just outside Bragança, Montesinho Natural Park offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing. In the city, you can walk ancient streets, examine curious artifacts, and taste robust Transmontane cuisine.

Exploring the Citadel

The core of Bragança lies within its medieval citadel. As you pass through the arched entrance, you'll find narrow cobblestone streets winding between whitewashed houses, leading to the 15th-century castle. From the 33-meter-high keep, you can see panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. The castle now contains the Military Museum, where you can examine weapons and armor from various periods of Portuguese history.

Distinctive Architecture

Just steps from the castle stands the Domus Municipalis, an example of Romanesque civic architecture. This 12th-century pentagonal building, believed to be Portugal's oldest town hall, has distinctive arched windows. Nearby, the Igreja de Santa Maria displays an elaborate carved portal, combining Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Museums and Culture

Bragança has several interesting museums. The Museu do Abade de Baçal, in a former episcopal palace, displays archaeological artifacts and religious art from the region. For something different, visit the Museu Ibérico da Máscara e do Traje, which exhibits colorful masks and costumes used in local festivals. The Centro de Arte Contemporânea Graça Morais features works by the well-known Portuguese painter.

Natural Surroundings

The city is a good starting point for exploring Montesinho Natural Park. This protected area covers over 70,000 hectares of rugged terrain, where you might spot wolves, wild boars, and numerous bird species. Hiking trails cross the park, allowing you to experience the local flora and fauna. You can also visit traditional villages like Rio de Onor, split between Portugal and Spain, to see rural life that has changed little over centuries.

Local Flavors

Bragança's cuisine reflects its harsh climate and agricultural traditions. You can try substantial dishes like feijoada transmontana (bean stew with pork) or alheira, a sausage originally created by Jews during the Inquisition. The region produces high-quality smoked meats and cheeses. Local wines and aguardente (firewater), often served as a digestif, are also available to taste.

Getting There and When to Visit

Reaching Bragança requires some planning, as there's no train service to the city. Regular buses connect it to major Portuguese cities like Porto (about 3 hours) and Lisbon (7 hours). Driving gives you more flexibility and allows you to enjoy the route through the Trás-os-Montes region.

Bragança has hot summers and cold winters. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) have mild temperatures suitable for exploring both the city and surrounding nature. In winter, you might see snow on the medieval citadel, while summer is good for activities in Montesinho Natural Park.