Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro, Braga (must see)

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro (Santuário do Sameiro) in Braga, Portugal, is a renowned pilgrimage site perched at an altitude of 556 meters (1,825 feet) above sea level. It holds a special place in the hearts of the faithful and is the second-largest sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Portugal, following Fátima.

The construction of the Sanctuary of Sameiro began in 1863 following a request from Father Martinho da Silva, the vicar of Braga. Initially, it consisted only of a statue of the Virgin Mary. However, it gradually expanded during the 19th century with the addition of a chapel and eventually a basilica.

The centerpiece of the sanctuary is the Basilica of Our Lady of Sameiro, a magnificent neo-classical church completed in 1874. The basilica boasts an imposing facade adorned with statues and intricate details. Inside, visitors are greeted by a vast, opulent interior with beautiful altars, stained glass windows, and decorative elements. The silver tabernacle and a statue of the Virgin Mary, sculpted in Rome during the second half of the 19th century by Eugenio Maccagnani, are notable pieces.

Visitors can climb a staircase within the basilica that leads to the top of the dome. From this vantage point, the view is particularly spectacular, offering a stunning panorama of the surrounding area. However, reaching this viewpoint requires climbing 265 steps, making it a rewarding yet physically demanding experience.

The sanctuary provides practical amenities for visitors, including a gift shop, a café for refreshments, and resting areas for pilgrims and tourists. Additionally, a visitor center offers information about the sanctuary's history and significance.