Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
das Três Virtudes
(Stairway of the Three Virtues), with chapels and fountains representing
faith, hope and charity.
The area around the church has become something of a resort, with fancy hotels, tennis
courts, flower gardens and a lake. It's choked with tourists on summer weekends, who
come to explore the church, cobblestone roads and trails on foot or bicycle.
Sleeping
Reservations are recommended in summer.
Hotel Grande
(
HOTEL
$
253 281 222;
www.grandehotelbomjesus.com
; Largo Mãe da Água, Bom Jesus, Tenões; s/d €39/55;
)
This sleek hotel, with its minimalist exterior and nouveau Renaissance interior, is 1km
from the church (at the fork before reaching Bom Jesus, veer left). Its spacious doubles
(most complete with balconies) are by far the best choice in the area.
Hotel do Elevador
( 253 603 400;
www.hoteisbomjesus.pt
;
Bom Jesus do Monte; s/d €85/102; )
Set in an anti-
quated villa, this is one of four Bom Jesus hotels owned by the same company. Its rooms
have romantic old-world touches and magical views. The restaurant (mains €10 to €16)
has a stunning perch.
HOTEL
$$
Eating
Aside from the hotel restaurants, eating options are scarce. For good homemade food, try
Adega Regional de Tenões
, on the road to Bom Jesus.
Getting There & Away
City bus 2 runs from Braga's Av da Liberdade to the bottom of the Bom Jesus steps
(€1.65, 20 minutes) - the end of the line - every half-hour all day (hourly on Sunday).
From here you can hoof it up the steps or hop aboard the newly restored
ascensor
(funicular;
Largo Mãe da Água; one way €1.20; 8am-8pm)
, which whisks visitors to the top every half hour.
Alternatively, a taxi from central Braga to the top of the steps costs €7 to €10.
