Europe 2021:
Bom Jesus do Monte
Bom Jesus do Monte (Good Jesus of the Mount) is a Portuguese Catholic shrine just outside of Braga in Northern Portugal. Branelle and I drove there on the way to our stay in the Duoro Valley and it turned out to be a wonderful stop. The sanctuary has a long history dating back to at least 1373, with construction of the current chapel starting in 1722.
From a practical standpoint, when you're driving there it feels like you're in the middle of Braga...until you're not all of the sudden. You can park at the top or the bottom - we chose the top but it really doesn't make a difference. I think someone charged us a Euro or something, and in we went.
The entire place is beautiful! We were there on just a perfect day, so that helps, but regardless of the weather, the place is well kept and the views are amazing.
The inside of the chapel is nice, but not any more spectacular than most. There are also restaurants at both the top and the bottom and a very nice gift shop. I believe there is a hotel as well.
The views again - you can see out over Braga and the mountain ranges beyond. Other than seeing the city below, you would swear you were in an isolated mountaintop sanctuary. There's a very peaceful feeling, interrupted only by the very loud bells that play a long and familiar melody frequently.
There is a long segment of stairways that zigzag down the mountain. There are fountains at every segment dedicated to the five senses - sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste. There's a funicular that you can ride up or down for about half a Euro. We chose to walk down and then take the funicular back up. To be honest, it's not as taxing as I was expecting, so walking both up and down wouldn't be an issue.
This was a beautiful stop and an interesting and enjoyable place to visit. It's a can't miss if you're in Braga, but I would put it on your plans if you're anywhere in Northern Portugal.
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