Braga

Braga (ancient Bracara Augusta), town in north-west Portugal, capital of Braga District (distrito) in the Minho region. It is primarily an agricultural centre, but there are factories and workshops producing gold and silver jewellery, electronic equipment, firearms, and textiles. It is also an archiepiscopal see. Points of interest include the ruins of a Roman temple, an amphitheatre, and an aqueduct. The cathedral, built in the 12th century, contains relics relating to the early history of Portugal. Count Henry of Burgundy, father of the first king of Portugal, Alfonso I, is buried in the cathedral. The archbishop's palace contains a fine library. Standing on a neighbouring hill is the elaborate shrine of Bom Jesus do Monte, where thousands of pilgrims gather at Whitsuntide. The region around Braga produces a pleasant dry light wine, vinho verde.

Braga was originally the capital of the Bracarenses, a Celtic tribe, and was later held successively by the Romans, Suevi, Visigoths, and Moors. The latter were expelled by Ferdinand I, king of Castile and León, in the 11th century. The rulers of Portugal resided in Braga from 1093 to 1147. Population 112,039 (2001).