Bom Jesus do Monte

Bom Jesus do Monte, Portugal's grandest religious sanctuary, is located six kilometers east of Braga on a wooded slope and is one of the country's most important pilgrimage sites.

This magnificent complex includes a monumental Baroque Escadaria (stairway) and the church of Bom Jesus, as well as several chapels with sculptured scenes from the Passion of Christ, fountains at various points along the long ascent, and statues of biblical, mythological, and symbolic figures.

Climbing the lower section of the 116-meter ornamental granite staircase leads to a steep Sacred Way with chapels depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross.

The white, interleaved Escadório dos Cinco Sentidos, located in the middle, depicts the five senses through finely carved statuary.

The Staircase of the Three Virtues, which leads to the church, is the final section. It represents Faith, Hope, and Charity. Your efforts will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. A vintage 1882 funicular whisks visitors to the top in just three minutes for the less active.

• Location: Braga