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About BragaAbout INL:The INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory established to foster interdisciplinary research in Nanotechnology and Nanoscience. INL is an Intergovernmental institution (IGO) aiming to attract some of the world’s best scientists and engineers. It is the only nanotechnology research organisation worldwide with an international legal status. And offers advanced comprehensive research facilities, where biologists, physicists, materials engineers, chemists, electronic engineers, and pharmacists gather from around the world to work together on interdisciplinary projects. Extra info about Braga:Built more than 2,000 years ago, “Bracara Augusta” was, as the name indicates, founded by Augustus; it was located on one of the main Roman roads in the Iberian Peninsula, since it was the administrative seat of the Empire, and later given the status of capital of the Roman province of Gallaecia, present-day Galicia, by Emperor Caracalla. The Braga Diocese is the oldest in Portugal and, in the Middle Ages, the city even competed with Santiago de Compostela in power and importance. One of the Camiños de Santiago passed through here, when this pilgrimage cult grew with the Christian reconquest and the foundation of Portugal. Braga’s Cathedral is also the oldest in the country and was built in the 12th century by the parents of Portugal’s first King, D. Henrique and D. Teresa, who are buried there. Braga is to this day one of the country’s main religious centres, having the Holy Week Celebrations and the São João Festival as the highlights in its liturgical and tourist calendar. Besides the Tesouro-Museu da Sé (Cathedral Treasure Museum), it is worth visiting the Biscainhos Museum, housed in a Baroque palace, a landmark period in the history of Braga, and the D. Diogo de Sousa Archaeological Museum, since the city also abounds in remains from the Roman era. We suggest a leisurely stroll around the historic centre to visit some of the many churches, admire the houses and historical buildings, such as the Palácio do Raio, the Theatro Circo, the Arco da Porta Nova, and to have a coffee at the emblematic Brasileira with a view of the busy Avenida Central. But Braga is considered the youngest city in Portugal and, from its contemporary landmarks, the Braga Municipal Stadium stands out, designed by Souto Moura, one of the most prestigious Portuguese architects and winner of the Pritzker Prize. Every visitor to Braga must see the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a city icon, with its monumental staircase. Amid an expanse of greenery, it offers an excellent panoramic view of the city, as do two other churches nearby: Nossa Senhora do Sameiro Sanctuary, an important place of Marian worship, and Santa Maria da Falperra Church. Outside the historic centre, São Martinho de Tibães Monastery and S. Frutuoso de Montélios Chapel also warrant a visit for their beauty and historical significance. In terms of gastronomy, codfish prepared in the Braga, Narcisa or Minho styles has to be inevitably mentioned, as well as roast kid and Pudim Abade de Priscos (crème caramel with bacon). Night-life, in this city of students, is not to be missed, as there’s some form of entertainment for everyone. Over the last few years, the University and the quality of contemporary architecture have instilled an atmosphere of youthful vibrancy which has brought this ancient city an unexpected modernity. GeographySituated in the heart of Minho, Braga is located in a transitional region between the east and west: between mountains, forests, grand valleys, plains and fields, constructing natural spaces, moulded by human intervention. Geographically, with an area of 184 square km it is bordered in the north by the municipalities of Vila Verde and Amares, northeast and east by Póvoa de Lanhoso, south and southeast with Guimarães and Vila Nova de Famalicão and west by the municipality of Barcelos. Points of interest >>Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Sameiro Igreja de Santa Maria Madalena de Falperra |
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