Bom Jesus do Monte

Bom Jesus do Monte is a hilltop pilgrimage sanctuary on the slopes of Monte Espinho, about five kilometres east of the centre of Braga in northern Portugal. Its centrepiece is a monumental Baroque stairway of roughly 580 steps that zigzags up the hillside in a sequence of landings, each marked by chapels, fountains, statues and allegorical symbols representing the five senses, the three theological virtues and the stations of the Passion. At the top stands a neoclassical church, completed in the late 18th century, with a terrace offering views across Braga and the Minho plain. The sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the symbol of Braga. Visitors can climb the steps on foot, ride the historic water-balanced funicular built in 1882, which is among the oldest of its type in the world, or drive to the upper level. Wooded gardens, small lakes, a cave and the Bom Jesus Hotel make up the hilltop grounds, and shaded paths lead off the stair into the forest. A full visit takes one to two hours, including time for the climb and the views. The best photographs of the stairway are taken from the base looking up, where the white lines of the steps stand out against the green slope, and from the top looking down along the zigzag. Late afternoon gives warm light, while midday is harsh. Crowds peak at weekends and religious festivals, especially around Pentecost and the São João celebrations, when many pilgrims climb the steps. Weekday mornings are quieter. Entry to the site is free, and the funicular costs a small fare. Visitors should wear good shoes, as the stone steps become slippery after rain. Cafes and picnic areas near the top provide a place to rest.