Braga; Saturday, 23 February, 2013

When I woke up and looked out of the window I did have to wonder if I’d been transported to another city overnight. The sky was crystal clear, or that which I could see without being blinded by the amount of sunlight pouring in through the windows.

After a leisurely breakfast I headed out of the hotel and had a wander through the city centre, taking in the sights before heading over to the site of the Roman Baths, arriving shortly after they opened for the day.

I had a look around the Baths, and the neighbouring archaeological museum before going for a long wander around the city.

Having stopped for a quick cup of coffee overlooking the Praça da Republica I picked up the bus out to the stunning Bom Jesus do Monte.

Access to the site is either by funicular railway (which was on a lunch break when I arrived) or by walking up the amazing Escadaria do Bom Jesus with its chapels, water fountains, and stunning views over the city centre.

I had originally thought it would be a walk up the staircase and I’d be back down for the bus 90 minutes later. However, after 90 minutes I had only just gotten to the top of the staircase having stopped so regularly to take in the views and to look at the different chapels and water features.

By the time I’d finished taking in the church and sights at the top of the stairs it was getting into the late afternoon, so I stopped for a very late lunch/very early dinner at the café on the edge of the staircase, with its view out over the surrounding countryside. Bathed in the late afternoon’s sunshine and warmth, and with good food and a cold beer I very nearly had to walk all the way back down as I was in danger of missing the last funicular back down to the bus stop. Thankfully, I made it with a bit of time to spare.

Back in town I had a further wander around before heading back to the hotel for an early night.