We went up by funicular which incidentally is the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula and is water counterbalancing as if it wasn't interesting enough by being that original in the Peninsula!The church would be like any other church were it not for its altar. A life size depiction of the crucifixion with the other two crosses on each side of Jesus, Mary in the company of others and the Roman legionnaires at the bottom of the cross. (I was tempted not to mention the altar for the surprise effect but feared that travellers might miss it if not detailed.)And while up there, the views are stunning.
It's really great both in the morning and in the evening. Not that hard to climb, you will find a great panoramic view of the whole city. The Bom Jesus itself is an interesting masterpiece of architecture.
One of the Churches and gardens in Portugal we visited. To find the parking lot was not easy as theer is only a sign for busses, so we just parked in the street and walked. It's areally nice garden and church. The stairs and walls weren't really white anymore - maybe because end of the season!?The view is amazing and you can make a lot of pictures.
A beautifull place to visit. The sanctuary, the centenary "eco lift" (moved by water) and the natural park with a little lake where the family can make a little boat promenade by their own and good hotels are the reasons to make the Bom Jesus one of the best locals to visit in Braga.
I really liked this sanctuary on the top of the mountain where you can see everything around and enjoy fresh air.Be prepared to climb up the mountain because it's very high but worth it. There is a funicular, but the queue was so big that I decided to walk.
Pleasant gardens for and relaxing walk.The best view of Braga, here you can seen the entire city.You can climb all the stairway or choose the oldest funicular in the Iberian Peninsula, which is hydraulic elevator.You can also visit the church and the many chapels along the stairway.It's human engineering and nature side by side.Yes it's a religious place, but it's more than that and it's beyond beliefs.
We drove our car all the way up to the church and then walked down the beautiful and famous stairs. I loved the view you have from the terraces in between the stairs. This place is fabulously located in the midst of Portuguese nature.Highly recommended.
Beautiful architecture repeated through a myriad of flights of steps make this a wonderful attraction. At various points bible scenes are portrayed using life size figures. The view from the top is good. At the top there is a good cafe offering decent food at reasonable prices. You have to pay to use the toilet.
Another amazing place in Portugal. Take the Cable Car or walk which ever way you go you will enjoy the quietness, serenity, gardens, church, spectacular staircase of this incredible sanctuary. A great place to just amble around and relax. Make sure you do walk around the gardens, where you can find the well hidden mini lake with its boats. Have a relaxing coffee from the quaint little cafe near the pergola of mauve wisteria, grab an outside chair and soak in the view. Such a beautiful place and great views to all that lay below this huge hill top surprise.
Can't add much to the countless good reviews of this place. It's one of the highlights of Portugal in my opinion. Gazing upon it for the first time at the top doesn't do it much justice but take your time to climb down the stairs and then gazing up from the bottom suddenly makes everything click into place. From afar the perfectly symmetrical staircase looks like tiers on a wedding cake.Along the way (when going up and down) do take time to admire the sculpture and small grottoes that contain biblical dioramas.The church itself is also nice and well worth a few quiet moments after the exertion of climbing up and down the stairs.Bom Jesus is situated out of Braga town and it is convenient if you have a car otherwise take a bus and perhaps ride the costly funicular train. What my family did was to stay at one of the nearby hotels rather than in Braga itself (cheaper accommodation?) thus saving time and money.The gift shop located at the side is interesting and staff are very courteous.