Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, Porto
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a monumental Baroque staircase and a historic water-balanced funicular.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, Porto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a monumental Baroque staircase and a historic water-balanced funicular.
"Marvelous! We used the elevator to get to the top, which uses water to run the elevator, it’s very interesting."
Funicular vs. Stairs
Ride the funicular up, walk down the stairs for amazing views! :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and stairs! :athletic_shoe: Essential for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Monumental Staircase
Base to the Sanctuary
A breathtaking Baroque masterpiece with allegorical fountains and chapels. Climb it for the views!
Water-Balanced Funicular
Base of the staircase
Ride the world's oldest funicular, powered by an ingenious water system. A historical marvel!
Wooded Hillside Gardens
Upper levels of the sanctuary
Tranquil gardens, shaded paths, and serene chapels offering a peaceful escape.
The Sanctuary Church
Top of the staircase
A beautiful neoclassical church with a stunning interior and a significant pilgrimage site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Grand Staircase (or Ride It!)
Beyond the Stairs: Explore the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Funicular vs. Stairs
Ride the funicular up, walk down the stairs for amazing views! :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and stairs! :athletic_shoe: Essential for exploring.
The Stairway and church of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, northern Portugal.
Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the serene gardens and lake. Boat rentals available! :rowboat:
Day Trip from Porto
Easy to reach by bus or car for a memorable day out. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
Funicular vs. Stairs
Ride the funicular up, walk down the stairs for amazing views! :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and stairs! :athletic_shoe: Essential for exploring.
Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the serene gardens and lake. Boat rentals available! :rowboat:
Day Trip from Porto
Easy to reach by bus or car for a memorable day out. :bus:
Water System Funicular
Experience the unique water-balanced system of the funicular. :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bom Jesus do Monte for its stunning Baroque staircase, unique water-balanced funicular, and beautiful gardens. Many highlight the historical significance and the breathtaking views from the top. While the climb can be challenging, most agree it's a must-visit site, offering a memorable experience for all ages.
"One of the most beautiful and visited church in the country. Visited this old church with a travel group and this was the best part of the tour. The church complex has multiple gardens, statues, a church, a gift shop and even a elevator tramp. The church itself is very beautiful and the architecture is marvelous, with stunning interior. There is a gigantic staircase present which one can climb to reach here from the bottom of the hill. This place is worth a visit and with its historic significance, this should be on your bucket list."
Akash Bhattacharjee
"It’s marvelous! We used the elevator to get to the top, which uses water to run the elevator, it’s very interesting.
The church is very beautiful and the patio is full of details.
We went to the lake too, rented a boat and had a lovely time.
Important: If you are planning to go there with kids, use the elevator to go up, there are a lot of stairs to climb. 😀"
Monika Jovanova
"We only visited this beautiful place in passing. One of Portugal's most famous pilgrimage sites, it is famous for its monumental baroque, serpentine staircase. And from the top of the hill you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city. The world's oldest cable car with a water-balanced system still operates here, the ride itself is not a spectacular experience, but we tried it on the way down.
We couldn't take a photo of the stairs from the angle below, because the funicular starts much further down and goes to the top of the stairs, so you have to walk down the stairs (or walk up a lot from the bottom) to the right position.
It is worth walking a little higher up, where there is a very nice park with lots of trees and a boating lake."
Marcell Bertalan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take a bus (like the #2) from Porto's city center directly to Braga, then a local bus or taxi to the sanctuary. Alternatively, you can drive, but parking can be challenging. The journey from Porto typically takes about an hour.
Yes, there is parking available, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
It's a significant uphill walk, and most visitors opt for the bus or funicular. The walk up the grand staircase is the main attraction, but starting from the city center is quite a trek.
You have three options: climb the monumental Baroque staircase (577 steps!), ride the historic water-balanced funicular, or use the elevator.
Yes, local buses from Braga connect to the sanctuary. If coming from Porto, you'll first take a bus to Braga and then transfer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the sanctuary grounds and church is generally free. However, there is a small fee to ride the funicular or use the elevator.
The funicular ticket is a small fee, typically a few euros for a round trip. It's a worthwhile experience for the historical aspect and to save your energy.
The sanctuary grounds are generally accessible throughout the day, but specific chapel and museum hours may vary. The funicular also has operating hours. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
The church itself is usually free to enter, though donations are appreciated. Some areas or exhibitions within the complex might have separate admission fees.
Tickets for the funicular or elevator can usually be purchased on-site. Advance booking is generally not required for these.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the monumental staircase, ride the historic funicular, visit the neoclassical church, wander through the beautiful gardens, and enjoy the panoramic views of Braga. You can also rent a boat on the lake.
The 577 steps are a significant climb and can be challenging for some. Many visitors choose to take the funicular up and walk down.
Yes, restrooms are available on site, though there might be a small fee for use. They are generally well-maintained.
The views from the top of the sanctuary offer a magnificent panorama of Braga and the surrounding landscape.
Yes, it's a great place for families. The funicular is a fun ride for kids, and the gardens offer space to explore. Consider using the funicular to go up to make it easier.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand staircase from various angles, the funicular in action, the church facade, and the panoramic views from the top are all prime photo opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of the sanctuary.
Drone usage is typically restricted in religious and historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
The base of the staircase looking up, the mid-points with the fountains, and the very top overlooking Braga are all excellent.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the staircase and landscapes. A standard zoom is versatile for details and portraits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the historic funicular in motion or from its station. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit