How to Visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga

A visit to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is an essential part of any Portugal itinerary.

In this detailed guide, we cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Bom Jesus. This includes the history, how to get there, and other essential tips.

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Europe is the land of epic, majestic, and centuries-old cathedrals.

Every morning, the air pulses with the chimes of church bells and every cityscape is marked with the distinctive silhouettes of spires and towers. Within these mighty structures, you are welcomed by vaulted ceilings, golden altars, and exquisite stained glass. You can’t help but be humbled. There is so much history pressed into these stone walls.

And yet, most travellers exploring Europe will eventually experience something we like to call, cathedral fatigue.

Your memories of all these great cathedrals start to blur together. And you suddenly find yourself less transfixed by the church bells, the stained glass, and the historic altars.

But every now and again, you discover somewhere undeniably extraordinary. A place that pierces through the blur. The spell of being unimpressed is broken- and you are enchanted once again.

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, Portugal is one of those places.

Although the 18th-century Basilica of Bom Jesus is awe-inspiring, the appeal of these sacred grounds is so much bigger than just that. Here, you will discover the Sacred Way: a series of long stairways dotted with chapels, fountains, and statues. There are Eden-esque gardens, holy caves, a whimsical lake with little boats, and incredible panoramic views to behold.

To put it simply, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is magic.

In this detailed guide, we cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Bom Jesus. This includes the history, how to get there, and other essential tips. Enjoy!

BOM JESUS DO MONTE OVERVIEW

WHERE | Braga, Portugal

ENTRY FEE | Free - although a round-trip elevator pass costs 3€

OPENING HOURS | Daily, 9 am - 7 pm

THINGS TO SEE | The Basilica, gardens, stairway of five senses, sunset

GUIDED TOURS | Guided tour from Porto

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SANCTUARY OF BOM JESUS DO MONTE

Worshippers have been coming to the sacred hill of Mount Espinho since at least the 14th century. The earliest record of a chapel on the hill comes from 1373.

The original chapel, dedicated to the Holy Cross, was rebuilt in 1494 and again in 1522. Two centuries later, construction began on the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte that we know today. The temple had been mostly abandoned and its saddened state spurred Archbishop of Braga, Rodrigo de Moura Telles into action in 1722. His patronage funded the first two stairways (the Portico Staircase and the Staircase of the Five Senses) and the chapels that line it, as well as a small baroque church.

The years of the 18th century came and went. Pope Clement XIV sent three religious briefs regarding the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, which resulted in more and more devotees coming to Mount Espinho. Soon, the existing church was too small for the number of visitors.

In 1784, the first stone of the present-day cathedral was placed on the hill. The architect Carlos Amarante designed the new Neoclassical church with its renowned twin bell towers and exposed stonework. Archbishop Gaspar de Bragança also oversaw the construction of the final staircase, the Three Virtues Stairway.

The area around Bom Jesus do Monte was turned into a park in the 19th century. This then led to the installation of the water-powered funicular in 1882, linking the hill with the town of Braga.

It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.

EXPLORING BOM JESUS DO MONTE

Pilgrims once traversed the Sacred Way from the base of Mount Espinho to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte on their knees. Nowadays, you can walk, drive, or take a 19th-century funicular. The actual park encompassing Bom Jesus is vast, including the cathedral, three stairways, gardens, and a small lake.

Everywhere you look could be on a postcard. It’s breathtaking. Between the perfectly manicured gardens and the exposed stonework of the Basilica, your camera will be very busy. And we haven’t even mentioned the view yet.

PORTICO STAIRCASE

Your journey to the peak of Mount Espinho and the Basilica begins at the Portico- a small archway flanked by two tiny peaked chapels and shadowed by the expanse of huge trees. The entrance gives way to the Portico Staircase, also called The Way of the Cross or the Via Crucis, that winds gradually through the forest.

There are 376 steps in this section, yet the modest slope and the shade from the trees make it easygoing. The path is wide and punctuated with chapels, each containing a different terra cotta depiction of the Passion of the Christ.

STAIRWAY OF THE FIVE SENSES

The brightly verdant shrouds of leafy trees come to an end. You have come to the base of the Stairway of the Five Senses. A wide landing opens up before you, revealing an incredible view of Braga and its surrounding hills. A single long staircase points your gaze towards the distant Basilica, its twin-towered shape enduring and elegant.

The stairs then split into two symmetrical, zig-zagging staircases comprising 104 steps. Each sense is represented by an allegorical fountain. Chapels continue along the sides of the staircase.

THREE VIRTUES STAIRWAY

A small landing divides the Stairway of the Five Senses from the Three Virtues Stairway. These last 93 steps are dedicated to the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

As with the Stairway of the Five Senses, your way is marked by ornate fountains. This time representing, you guessed it, the three virtues.

THE FUNICULAR

If marching up those 573 steps sounds more like torture than transcendence, you can always take the funicular from the base of the sanctuary to the Court of Moses at the foot of the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The water-powered funicular was built in 1882, the first in the Iberian Peninsula and the oldest one of its kind still in service. It can whisk you up (or down) in three minutes.

However, we consider traversing the stairway to be part of the experience. If you choose to go the way of the funicular, opt for a one-way ticket. You don’t want to miss the staircase entirely.

THE BASILICA

At last, the Basilica of Bom Jesus do Monte emerges before you. It looms over the flowered and meticulously maintained Court of Moses, as well as the stoned steps of the Sacred Way. Baroque in its design, the sanctuary consists of exposed grey stonework and whitewashed plaster façades. Two esteemed bell towers turn their chiming eyes upon the Portuguese landscape below.

Construction spanned nearly thirty years with the first stone being laid in 1784 and the last in 1812. The present-day sanctuary is the last in a long line of chapels that have marked the hillside. It is also one of the earliest examples of the Portuguese Neoclassical style.

Inside unfolds an ethereal, majestic splendour. You are dwarfed under the vaulted ceiling, a customary feature of all grand cathedrals. The walls are ornate- bearing colours of ivory and pink and baby blue and gold. At the perfect time of day, beams of light pierce through the windows in the dome.

The back altar, framed by two pillars and glowing warmly, depicts the Crucifixion.

BOM JESUS DO MONTE LAKE AND GARDENS

The Basilica is just one part of a much larger complex. The park contains several caves, gazebos, fountains, figurines, and chapels. There is also a small lake and a neighbouring teahouse. If you fancy a paddle on the charming Lake Bom Jesus do Monte, boats are available for hire for 2€ per 15 minutes.

EXPERIENCE SUNSET FROM THE BOM JESUS DO MONTE

If you visit Bom Jesus without experiencing sunset, we’re sorry, but you’re missing out. The sunsets here are extraordinary.

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is always beautiful, however, it’s particularly gorgeous at sunset. Why? Well, to start, there’s that panoramic view of Braga surrounded by lazily rolling hills.

The Stairway of the Five Senses, the Virtues Stairway, the Court of Moses, and the Basilica all overlook this breathtaking view. So pick your favourite spot and settle in for Mother Nature’s most incredible show.

Before the sun disappears behind the horizon, it basks the Sanctuary in hazy golden light. The landscape below is similarly bathed in magical, sun-soaked hues. During the sun’s final moments, the light turns a floral shade of pink. The Basilica, with its exposed whitewashed plaster walls, is painted rose for a few, breathtaking minutes. And then, the exhale of a calm blue evening overtakes everything.

Bring your camera. You do not want to miss this.

BOM JESUS DO MONTE TRAVEL INFORMATION

WHERE IS BOM JESUS DO MONTE & HOW TO GET THERE

The majestic Bom Jesus do Monte is located just outside of Portugal’s oldest city, Braga. You could, in theory, walk there from Braga’s old town since it’s less than 6 kilometres away. It would take well over an hour- but you would get your 10,000 steps in for the day.

However, every traveller knows that time is precious! Plus, your legs will get plenty of exercise once you arrive at Bom Jesus so there’s no need to overwork yourself beforehand.

CAR RENTAL

Alternatively, you can rent a car in Porto and drive yourself directly to Bom Jesus de Monte. This simplifies your journey providing you’re comfortable driving and a car rental fits within your budget.

Braga is 55 kilometres from Porto, and driving takes anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour depending on your route (and traffic, of course). The toll road is the faster option. Portugal does not require tourists to have an International Driving Permit. Neighbouring Spain, on the other hand, does.

There are a few parking spots at the bottom of the Stairway of the Five Senses and a large parking lot at the top in the Bom Jesus gardens. The top carpark does charge a small fee. Alternatively, you can also park at the very bottom of the hill near the bus stop.

That way, you can experience the full 573 steps from Portico to the churchyard.

BOOK | Search and book car rentals in Portugal here

TRAIN

If you’re coming to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte from Porto, you first need to take a train. The first train departs from São Bento at 6:15 AM and the last train leaves Braga at 11:32 PM.

During the day, there are one or two trains departing every hour from both the São Bento and Campanhã stations in Porto. The journey takes about an hour and meanders through lovely Portuguese farms and villages. One ticket will cost you 3.50€ one-way. View the train schedule for Porto-Braga here

BOOK | You can book your train and bus tickets here

BUS

FlixBus (the European coach service) also runs between Porto and Braga. A ticket costs 3€, which is essentially the same as the train. The bus is no faster than the train and less fun. Take the train.

Once in Braga, you can take a city bus to Bom Jesus do Monte. The #2 bus will whisk you from the old town to the main entrance of the cathedral’s grounds. It comes every half hour throughout the day, takes about 20 minutes, and costs 1.65€. Bom Jesus is the last stop.

That being said, we ended up waiting 45 minutes for a bus that seemed like it was never coming. If you prefer to take an Uber or taxi, we won’t hold it against you.

BOOK | You can book your train and bus tickets here

OPENING HOURS & ENTRY FEES

Entrance to Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga is completely free. Although the Basilica has set hours, the actual park surrounding the cathedral is looser.

There are no gates to bar your entrance and nothing prevents you from visiting the exquisite staircase and gardens at sunrise or sunset.

• The Google hours 9 AM - 7 PM refer to the Basilica.

• The elevator runs from 09:00 - 20:00 in summer and 09:00 - 19:00 in winter. A one-way trip costs 2€ and a round-trip costs 3€. It departs at 25 and 55 minutes past, every hour.

• The Bom Jesus do Monte Basilica is open from 08:00 - 19:00 in the summer and 09:00 - 18:00 in the winter. Entrance is free.

• The High Choir and the Bell Tower within the Basilica are open from 0800 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 19:00 in the summer. Winter hours are 08:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 18:00. It costs 1€ per person.

• Boat hire on Bom Jesus do Monte is daily from 10:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 to 19:00. It costs 2€ for 15 minutes. Two people per boat.

For more information on hours, fees, and the mass schedule, go here.

BOOK | You can book a guided tour from Porto here

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND AT BOM JESUS DO MONTE?

Bom Jesus do Monte is perfect for a quick sunset excursion or a long afternoon outing. If you like, you can take your sweet time exploring the grounds. There are luscious gardens, hidden caves, that incredible Basilica, and boat rides on the lake to enjoy.

Plus, there’s a little cafe by the lake serving drinks and small bites. Bring a book, and soak in the day.

We recommend 2 - 4 hours depending on your pace.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Although there’s no bad time to visit Bom Jesus do Monte, the best weather is from March until October.

In Portugal, the peak tourism season is from June until September. We always suggest visiting a place outside of its high season to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices. It also helps to reduce the impact of over-tourism, which Portugal has really started to experience in the last few years.

Personally, we visited the cathedral in mid-May. The multitudes of colourful flowers in the Court of Moses were in full bloom and the air was thick with wafting perfume of wisteria. It was heavenly.

As far as the best time of day, nothing beats Bom Jesus do Monte at sunset.

Head over mid to late afternoon and stay until the sun disappears from the Portuguese horizon, bathing the epic staircase and Basilica in rosy light.

BOM JESUS DO MONTE FAQ’S

WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS OF BOM JESUS DO MONTE?

You can visit the Bom Jesus do Monte at any time. The Basilica is open from 8 AM - 7 PM. The complete list of hours for funicular, boat hire, and bell tower can be found here.

IS THERE AN ENTRANCE FEE FOR BOM JESUS DO MONTE?

There is no entrance fee to visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte.

ARE GUIDED TOURS AVAILABLE AT BOM JESUS DO MONTE?

Yes, guided tours are available (though not necessary) for Bom Jesus do Monte. You can book your guide here.

IS THERE A DRESS CODE FOR VISITING BOM JESUS DO MONTE?

There isn’t a dress code for Bom Jesus do Monte, however, you should dress respectfully if you enter the Basilica. Additionally, you should wear comfortable footwear if you plan on walking up or down all 573 steps to get to the Basilica.

IS PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED INSIDE THE BASILICA OF BOM JESUS DO MONTE?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the Basilica. Just don’t use flash!

IS BOM JESUS DO MONTE ACCESSIBLE FOR VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES?

Bom Jesus do Monte is accessible to visitors with disabilities. Park at the top carpark and then use the looping road to reach the Basilica.

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