Bom Jesus do Monte is the image of Braga: a monumental stairway zigzagging up a wooded hill to a church, lined with chapels, fountains and statues. Built over several centuries as a Sacro Monte, a “sacred mountain” for pilgrims to climb, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2019.
The stairway begins with the Way of the Cross among the trees, then rises through the famous Stairway of the Five Senses and the Stairway of the Three Virtues. At the top stands the church designed by Carlos Amarante, begun in the late 18th century and one of the first neoclassical churches in Portugal. Around it, a park of ponds, grottoes and shady paths gives you a reason to stay.
Top things to do: Bom Jesus do Monte
Climb the stairway
There are roughly 570 steps. Take your time, and look for the fountains representing the senses.
Ride the funicular
Opened in 1882, it is the oldest water-counterbalance funicular still running in the world, climbing the hill in about three minutes.
Visit the church
Look for the Crucifixion scene behind the altar and the painted ceilings.
Walk the park
Wooded paths, a small lake with boats in season, and terraces with a view back to Braga.
How to get to Bom Jesus do Monte
- Bom Jesus is about 5 km east of central Braga. TUB bus line 2 has long served the foot of the stairway, and a taxi is cheap and quick. See our transport guide for details.
- If you are driving, there are car parks at the bottom and the top, though they fill up on summer Sundays.
Insider tips
- Take the funicular up and walk down the stairway: you see the composition better, and your knees will forgive you.
- Go early or late in the day. The midday hours are the busiest with coach groups.
- The stairway is granite and slippery after rain, so wear shoes with grip.
- The funicular fare has usually been around €2 one way. Check the current price and hours on the day.
Best tours for Bom Jesus do Monte
These experiences are the easiest way to see Bom Jesus do Monte:
Small group from €59 Braga Small-Group Walking Tour & Bom Jesus
A half-day introduction that covers both halves of Braga: the old streets and the sanctuary on the hill.
- The historic centre with a local guide
- Bom Jesus do Monte
- A small group
Guided tour from €122 Braga City Walking Tour with Bom Jesus and Sameiro
A longer tour that adds the hilltop sanctuary of Sameiro to the city and Bom Jesus.
- The city centre
- Bom Jesus do Monte
- The Sameiro sanctuary
Small group from €55 From Porto: Braga & Guimarães Historic Day Tour for Up to 8
A compact day in a small vehicle, with the time to walk both historic centres.
- A maximum of eight people
- Braga and Guimarães
- A top-rated guide team
