Bom Jesus do Monte is a religious pilgrimage site dating from the fourteenth century. The construction of the entire park, which consists of different styles, took almost a century. There are symbols everywhere. Such as the five fountains that flow next to the stairs. These represent the five senses: hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting and smelling. The 577 steps that you climb – either on foot or on your knees – represent a form of penitence. Once you reach the top, you’ll find a small church, various chapels, and a landscaped garden. The ultimate reward is a beautiful view of city of Braga.
If you don’t feel like walking all the way, you can always use the oldest working traditional cable train in Europe. We really wanted to climb the stairs all the way to the top, but on the way from the parking lot to the stairs, Sanne twisted her ankle. So we decided to use the cable train to get there and to get back. Having enjoyed the beautiful view for a while, we took a careful walk around the landscaped gardens. We also visited the church. It was a beautiful spot that felt very peaceful. We would love to visit again, and to take the stairs next time!
