Santuário do Sameiro (Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Sameiro), Braga
The Santuário do Sameiro is another pilgrimage site close to Bom Jesus do Monte, around 5 km east from the center of Braga.
The huge white-domed church is 1.5 km by road from the bottom of the staircase leading up to Bom Jesus or a 20-minute walk through the pine woods at the top.
History
Santuário do Sameiro was built in the 19th century and has become an important place of Marian pilgrimage, second only behind Fatima.
Building began in 1863, the inspiration of the local priest Martinho da Silva. However the structure was badly damaged during a storm which caused a fire in 1883 and had to be rebuilt.
The building was finally completed in 1904 and attracted a huge crowd of half a million people to its official opening.
The huge dome was added later in the 1930's and topped with a massive cross in the 1940's.
Pope John Paul II visited in 1982.
Within the church is an image of the Virgin Mary by Italian sculptor Eugénio Maccagnani (1852-1930) and brought to the church from Rome. The crown of the Virgin is done in 2.5 kg of solid gold.
The church is the host for two important annual religious festivals.
These are held on the first Sunday in June and the last Sunday in August. Thousands of people attend these two events. In June the procession begins at Braga Cathedral, whereas in August the procession is from nearby Bom Jesus.
There are superb views on a clear day over Braga and the surrounding countryside.
Access
Avenida Nossa Senhora do Sameiro 44
4715-616 Braga
If you are not arriving by hire car (there is fairly cheap parking at the top) or taxi the easiest way to get to Bom Jesus from Braga is by local Braga bus #2 from Praça Conde de Agrolongo close to the Museu dos Biscainhos or Avenida da Liberdade.
There are buses approximately every 30 minutes (hourly on Sundays). From the last stop at Bom Jesus it is a short walk to the funicular (ascensor), which runs from 8 am-8 pm.
From the top of Bom Jesus it is a 20-minute stroll to Santuário do Sameiro.
Alternatively, there are two direct Rede de Transportes Públicos de Braga (TUB) buses to the church, the #88 (weekdays) and the #23 (Sundays and public holidays). The #88 runs on the hour from Braga from 7 am to 8 pm. The #88 bus from Santuário do Sameiro runs at half past the hour from 7.30 am to 8.30 pm. The #23 runs on the hour from Braga from 7 am to 8 pm. The #23 bus from Santuário do Sameiro runs at 25 minutes past the hour from 7.25 am to 8.25 pm.
Hire a car in Braga to explore the northern region of Portugal.
Book Hotel Accommodation in Braga
Most accommodation is in Braga city centre, though the four star Hotel do Elevador is located at the top of the hill in a 19th century building and has superb views over the Braga countryside as well as a pleasant restaurant and French-style gardens. Other hotels close to Bom Jesus include the grand, four star Hotel do Parque offers a piano bar, a spa and contemporary-styled rooms. Hotel do Largo is a three star option with air conditioning, satellite TVs and private bathrooms. Hotel do Templo is four star with sunbathing terrace, heated indoor swimming pool, Turkish bath and hot tub. Casa dos Lagos - Turismo de Habitacao in an 18th century house is just 300m from Bom Jesus and has a swimming pool, antique furnishings and balconies with panoramic views. See here for a full listing of hotels in Braga.
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