Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Braga > Braga > Braga > Senhora da Rocha
The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is situated on the slopes of Monte Espinho, in the Tenões area, in Braga. Its elevated position offers a wide view over the city and the surrounding landscape, integrating it remarkably into the natural and urban scenery of the region.
One of the most distinctive elements of Bom Jesus is its imposing Baroque stairway. Ascending the hill in a zigzag pattern, this singular structure overcomes a significant difference in elevation and constitutes a scenographic path of great beauty and symbolism. The stairway is composed of several flights and decorated landings, representing a central piece in the design of the entire sanctuary.
The ascent by the stairway is not only physical but also a symbolic journey. The path begins with chapels representing the Stations of the Cross. This is followed by the notable Stairway of the Five Senses, with fountains allegorically referring to Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, and Touch, inviting reflection on the material world. The ascent culminates in the Stairway of the Three Virtues, Faith, Hope, and Charity, symbolized by other fountains, representing the path to the spiritual.
At the top of the stairway is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This temple, built in the Neoclassical period according to the design by architect Carlos Amarante, marks the end of the ascension route. The church, with its façade flanked by towers and a triangular pediment, stands prominently on the summit of the hill. In front, a decorated churchyard completes the main architectural complex.
For those who prefer an alternative to climbing the steps, there is a funicular that connects the lower part of the hill to the sanctuary. Inaugurated in 1882, this funicular is notable for being the first in the Iberian Peninsula and the oldest in the world to use the water counterweight system for its operation, representing an element of historical engineering.
The entire sanctuary is set within a vast wooded area that constitutes the Bom Jesus Park. This green space offers a tranquil environment and features gardens, artificial lakes (where it is possible to go boating), and various infrastructures integrated into the landscape. Highlights include the Terreiro dos Evangelistas (Evangelists' Courtyard), with its octagonal chapels and fountains dedicated to these biblical figures, and the historic Casa de Fresco (Cool House).
The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte has a long history, with traces of occupation and devotion on the site since the 14th century. However, the complex as we know it today began to be built on a grand scale from the 18th century, at the initiative of archbishops of Braga, with the Confraternity of Bom Jesus do Monte being the entity responsible for its management over several centuries. It represents one of the most important examples in Europe of the "Sacri Monti" tradition, which sought to recreate Jerusalem in local landscapes. Due to its uniqueness and value, the Sanctuary was classified as a National Monument and recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.5547347,-8.3770546
Coordinates DMS: 41°33'17.0"N 08°22'37.4"W
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