Braga is the city known as the "Portuguese Rome" for its concentration of religious architecture. The city is located in the North of Portugal, in Portugal, Braga's population is considered the most conservative, and by some the most pious, by others the most fanatic. The city is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.

As still the home of Portugal's Bishops there are many churches and the Antigo Paço Episcopal is a fine reminder of the past. The façade of this Archbishops Palace dates from the 14th Century with changes in both the 17th and 18th Centuries.

Unfortunately a fire in the 18th Century destroyed its fine interior and it is now used to house books and clerical records. At present there is an intensive project to expose the Roman remains within the City that are believed to be of considerable size, and considered among the largest in the Iberian Peninsular.

The 14th Century Torre de Menagem that stands in the City's square is all that remains of the original fortifications. The much altered and extended 12th Century Cathedral was built on the site of an older church destroyed in the 6th Century. Today, it also acts as the home of a prestigious collection of Portugal's religious statues, garments and other treasures. Amongst other important religious relics is the Cross used at the first mass celebrated in Brazil by Saint Francis Xavier.

Another building of note is the 16th Century Palácio dos Biscainhos that was originally an aristocratic lavish home with ornate interesting gardens. On display within the palace is Portuguese period furniture and many other ethnographic items. In one of the minor streets close to the 17th Century Baroque Church Santa Cruz is the ornate and blue tiled façade of the palace known as Palácio do Raio.