City of Braga
Located in the heart of the Minho region and within easy reach of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, approximately 40 km away, Braga combines a remarkable natural setting with more than 2,000 years of history. The city traces its origins to the Roman settlement of Bracara Augusta. Today, its Roman archaeological heritage coexists with medieval and Baroque architecture, museums, gardens and a lively university culture.
Among Braga’s best-known landmarks are Braga Cathedral, regarded as the oldest cathedral in Portugal, and the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, one of Europe’s most remarkable sacred-mount ensembles and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019.
Approximately 6 km from the city centre stands the Monastery of São Martinho de Tibães, which became the mother house of the Benedictine Congregation in Portugal and Brazil in 1567. The sanctuaries of Sameiro and Falperra are also set among the wooded hills surrounding the city and offer extensive views over Braga and the Minho region.
Owing to its long-standing ecclesiastical importance and rich religious heritage, Braga is sometimes known as the “Portuguese Rome”. Its long history can be seen throughout the city in its monuments, churches, historic houses and public spaces.
How to get to Braga
By air
Porto Airport — Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO)
Porto Airport is the closest international airport to Braga, approximately 50 km away. We strongly recommend flying to this airport whenever possible.
The simplest option is the direct GetBus shuttle between Porto Airport and Braga Bus Station. The service is non-stop and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. At Porto Airport, GetBus services depart from the P8 bus area. Participants are advised to check the current timetable and purchase their tickets in advance.
Alternatively, take the Porto Metro from the airport to Porto-Campanhã railway station; a change of line may be required. From Porto-Campanhã, take a CP train to Braga. Urban trains are frequent and normally take approximately one hour. A limited number of Alfa Pendular and Intercidades services are faster, but they operate less frequently.
Lisbon Airport — Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
If travelling through Lisbon Airport, take the Lisbon Metro Red Line directly from the airport to Oriente railway station.
From Lisboa-Oriente, take an Alfa Pendular or Intercidades train to Braga. Some services are direct, while others require a change at Porto-Campanhã. Depending on the connection, the railway journey normally takes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours. Advance booking is recommended.
From Braga Bus Station
From Braga Bus Station, participants may take a taxi, a ride-hailing service or TUB bus route 91 to the University of Minho’s Gualtar Campus.
From Braga Railway Station
From Braga Railway Station, participants may take a taxi, a ride-hailing service or TUB bus route 43 to the Gualtar Campus.
Conference venue
University of Minho
School of Sciences
Gualtar Campus
Rua da Universidade
4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Timetables and routes may change. Participants should consult the transport operators’ official websites shortly before travelling.