Braga - Bom Jesús do Monte

East of Braga are three well known places of pilgrimage. The one most worth seeing is the church of Bom Jesús do Monte (alt. 401m/1,316ft), 6km/4mi east of Braga in a park on the western slopes of Monte Espinho (564m/1,850ft). The beautiful gardens, little boating lake and pretty walks make it a favorite spot for picnics and excursions. There is a road up to Bom Jesús do Monte but the actual church is reached by a funicular or on foot up a Way of the Cross leading to a terrace from which a monumental Baroque staircase ascends to the church (originally 15th century; rebuilt in 18th and 19th centuries). The effort of the climb is rewarded by a panoramic view.