Situated in the far northeast of Portugal, Bragança is a city whose old castle still maintains a mediaeval urban core within its walls.

The town of Bragança, situated in the northeastern part of Portugal, was once under the protection of the House of Bragança, who governed Portugal from 1640 until the beginning of the 20th century. The town is located on a hilltop and is surrounded by a well-preserved fortified wall, making it the most well-maintained medieval town in Portugal. The wall overlooks the modern town from a height of 600 meters (1,968 feet) above sea level in the Serra da Nogueira region.

Visiting Bragança for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Bragança on the first visit. Top help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Bragança not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Bragança and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Sé Velha de Bragança

The Sé Velha de Bragança, also known as Colégio do Santo Nome de Jesus, Catedral de Bragança, and Igreja Paroquial de São João Baptista, is a former convent located in the Sé, Santa Maria e Meixedo parish of Bragança municipality in Portugal. Today, part of its facilities are used as the Bragança Cultural Center and […]

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Location: Igreja de São João Baptista (antiga Sé de Bragança), Rua Alexandre Herculano, Bragança, Portugal | Distance: 0.00km

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Visiting Sé Velha de Bragança

Centro de Arte Contemporânea Graça Morais

The Graça Morais Contemporary Art Centre, designed by the renowned Portuguese architect Souto Moura who was awarded the Pritzker Prize in 2011, opened its doors in 2008. The centre boasts an extensive program of temporary exhibitions featuring acclaimed national and international artists, alongside collections of contemporary art resulting from partnerships and co-productions with esteemed institutions […]

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Location: Centro de Arte Contemporânea Graça Morais, Rua Abílio Beça, Bragança, Portugal | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am - 6:30 pm. Closed weekly on Monday.| Price: €2.29 per person | Website | Distance: 0.10km

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Visiting Centro de Arte Contemporânea Graça Morais

Museu do Abade de Baçal

The former Episcopal Palace, built in the 18th century and once the official residence of bishops for half a year, was transformed into the Abade de Baçal Museum in 1915. The museum is named in honour of father Francisco Manuel Alves (1865-1948), also known as Abbot of Baçal, who had a passion for the history […]

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Location: Museu do Abade de Baçal, Rua Abílio Beça, Bragança, Portugal | Hours: 9h30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed: Mondays, 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 25 December. | Website | Distance: 0.30km

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Visiting Museu do Abade de Baçal

Igreja de São Vicente (Bragança)

The Church of São Vicente, whose construction dates back to the 13th century, is Romanesque in style. It has undergone several restorations, one in the 14th century and the last in the 17th century when it was completely rebuilt, due to a partial collapse of the church, maintaining the Romanesque structure, although with some aesthetic […]

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Location: Igreja de São Vicente, Rua Combatentes da Grande Guerra, Bragança, Portugal | Distance: 0.40km

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Visiting Igreja de São Vicente (Bragança)

Castelo de Bragança

Bragança Castle, a prime example of medieval architecture, dates back to 1409 when it was ordered to be built by King João I. Its foundations can be traced back to the reign of the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques. With its imposing keep and double wall, it has withstood the test of time remarkably […]

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Location: Castelo de Bragança, Rua Dom João V, Bragança, Portugal | Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. | 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and national holidays. In August it does not close during lunch time | Distance: 0.70km

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Visiting Castelo de Bragança

Igreja de Santa Maria (Bragança)

The Igreja de Santa Maria (Bragança), is the oldest church in Bragança, is located within the walls of the Citadel of Bragança. Its construction dates back to the 14th century, but it underwent modifications for two more centuries, eventually adopting a Baroque style. The façade features an ornate Baroque portal adorned with two Solomonic columns […]

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Location: Igreja de Santa Maria, Rua da Cidadela, Bragança, Portugal | Hours: Open every day from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. | Website | Distance: 0.70km

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Visiting Igreja de Santa Maria (Bragança)

Domus Municipalis (Bragança)

The Domus Municipalis is a remarkable illustration of Romanesque civil architecture in the country and the highlight of Bragança. It is an irregular pentagon-shaped structure, featuring a vaulted cistern at the base, topped by a vast gallery surrounded by windows, which was identified as the meeting place of the county’s notable individuals. The construction date […]

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Location: Domus Municipalis, Rua da Cidadela, Bragança, Portugal | Distance: 0.70km

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Visiting Domus Municipalis (Bragança)

Castro de Avelãs Monastery

Located approximately 3 km from Bragança is the town of Castro de Avelãs, where the remaining structure of the Benedictine monastery can be found. The monastery was a prosperous institution that played a crucial role in the settlement of the region and in providing assistance to pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela, from the 12th […]

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Location: Castro de Avelãs Monastery, Castro de Avelãs, Portugal | Website | Distance: 4.00km

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Visiting Castro de Avelãs Monastery