Sanctuary of Bom Jesus Do Monte in Braga

A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte:

Embark on a Journey Through History and Faith at the Sacred Staircase

Welcome to this comprehensive guide for your pilgrimage to or visit of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a breathtaking sanctuary perched atop a hill in the historic city of Braga, Portugal. Prepare to be amazed by its iconic staircase, stunning architecture, and rich history intertwined with the beauty of nature.

The History:

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, meaning “Good Jesus,” is a unique blend of religious tradition and architectural splendor nestled on the slopes of Monte do Bom Jesus, a hill overlooking Braga.

  • A Sacred Legacy: The sanctuary’s origins can be traced back to the 16th century when a statue of the crucified Christ was brought from Lisbon to Braga in 1522. This sacred image, attributed to Francisco de Almeida, was carved for the Franciscan Friars who were known for their devotion to the Holy Cross.

  • A Journey of Faith: The “Staircase of Bom Jesus” is the main attraction of this religious site and is a testament to the dedication of the faithful.

The Sanctuary: A Sanctuary with a Story

The story goes that the statue was originally housed in a small chapel on the hill, but it quickly became a place of pilgrimage for those who sought blessings and miracles. This “Bom Jesus” (Jesus’s Good Jesus) is a powerful symbol of faith and devotion, said to have been carved by Francisco de Almeida, a Portuguese sculptor known for his religious works.

The current sanctuary was built in the 18th century and is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was constructed on the site of the original “Staircase of Bom Jesus,” which was erected on top of the hill, leading pilgrims up to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte for a breathtaking climb.

  • The “Bom Jesus” Tradition: The story behind the “Bom Jesus” statue is fascinating. The original church and sanctuary, built on the site of a small 16th-century chapel, was dedicated to the same patron saint as the statue itself: Our Lady of the Good Journey (Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem in Portuguese).

  • The Sacred Staircase: This climb up the hill is a symbolic representation of the pilgrimage we all undertake in life. The “Bom Jesus” (Good Jesus) statue, representing the divine nature of the journey, was moved to its current location and enshrined in a new chapel.

  • A Modern-Day Icon: The sanctuary’s iconic statue is a stunning example of Baroque sculpture, depicting Our Lady of the Good Journey with her arms outstretched in a gesture of compassion.

Reaching the Top: The Sacred Staircase and Its Options

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte offers visitors a unique experience – the option to climb the famous “Bom Jesus” staircase or take the funicular railway, a historic marvel that ascends the hill with breathtaking views along the way.

  • For those seeking the traditional pilgrimage route:
    • The “Sacred Staircase” is a grand, sweeping staircase leading up to the sanctuary. It’s a beautiful and challenging climb, with 650 steps and 18 landings adorned by intricate sculptures and religious iconography.

The Sanctuary Itself:

  • Unique Architecture: The staircase and its architecture are indeed breathtaking. The “Bom Jesus” staircase is a masterpiece of Baroque design, leading visitors up the hill to the church.

  • The Stations of the Cross: Along the staircase, there are 110 steps representing the stations of the cross.

What Makes It a Must-See:

  • Historical Significance: The “Bom Jesus” staircase is a historical landmark in its own right, built on the site where the original church was located and serving as a reminder of the journey to faith and redemption.
    • Breathtaking Views: The journey up the hill, whether by foot or funicular, offers stunning panoramic views of Braga’s cityscape and surrounding landscape.

Why People Climb:

The 110-step staircase are designed in such a way that they represent the Stations of the Cross.

  • A Journey for All: The “climb”, as it is known locally**, can be done by anyone, but the experience is made easier and more accessible by the breathtaking views from the top.

The Sanctuary’s Architecture:

  • Sacred Steps: The staircase itself is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, with its ornate design and intricate carvings reflecting the artistic style of the era.

  • Unique Design: The “Bom Jesus” staircase, a popular pilgrimage destination in Portugal, features:

    • A magnificent sanctuary: The “Bom Jesus” is a focal point for reflection on the beauty and serenity surrounding it.
    • Statues and Statues: The 110-step “Journey” concept extends to the architecture of the structure itself. The “Sacred Staircase” is designed as a grand procession with intricate details and sculptures that depict the journey of faith, symbolizing the ascent to heaven and the journey of life.
    • Unique History: The 110 steps are believed to have been a part of the pilgrimage route from Braga’s city center to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte

What to See on the Staircase:

  • The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus: The 110-step staircase itself is an impressive sight, leading up to a beautiful chapel and a series of ornate chapels with sculptures and paintings depicting scenes from the Bible.
  • The Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart: The original “Sanctuary of the Good Journey” is a

stunning example of Baroque artistry.

  • The Funicular Railway: For those who prefer not to climb, the “Bom Jesus” staircase offers breathtaking views of Braga’s city center and the surrounding landscape.

The Stations of the Cross:

  • The Stairs: The “Stairs of the Good Journey,” a symbol of the challenges faced in following one’s faith.
  • The Sculptures: Each step is adorned with intricately carved granite reliefs depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross.

The Journey Up the Hill:

  • The Funicular: The most iconic feature of the “Sanctuary” is the stunning staircase, which has been a popular destination for centuries.

A Note on Accessibility:

While the “Funicular” offers a unique and enjoyable way to experience the “Stairs” of the trail, it’s important to remember that it is a challenging climb. There are 14 Stations of the Cross located along the path, offering stunning views of the city.

  • The Funicular Railway: This attraction, known as the “Funicular de Nossa Senhora da Saudade” (the “Sadness-of-Her-Departure” Funicular) or the “Funicular dos Franceses” (the “French” Funicular), allows visitors to enjoy the “Stairs” experience by offering a scenic ride

  • The Journey of Faith: The 1st and 2nd sections showcase the history of the “Sacred Steps” concept.

How To Experience The Funicular:

  • Ride the “Staircase of the Good Journey”:

This is a unique experience as you can enjoy the beauty of the city and the surrounding landscape while riding up the hill, taking in the artistry of the religious figures along the way.

  • Walk the “Stairs of the Sacred Mount: The “staircase” itself is a part of the journey.

The Importance of the “Sanctuary of the Good Shepherd”:

Built on a site where a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary existed, the 110-step “funicular” route offers breathtaking views of the city and allows visitors to experience the “Stations of the Good Journey” concept in a different way.

  • The “Good Shepherd”: This is the name given to the staircase on the hilltop due to its historical significance.

A Unique Experience:

  • Historical Significance:

  • 110 Steps: The journey is designed as a symbolic representation of the 14 Stations of the Cross, reflecting the theme of “The Good Shepherd” who guides and protects his flock.

  • Funicular of Faith: The “Good Journey” refers to the historical significance of the “Staircase of the

Braga’s history as a pilgrimage site**: The 14 Stations of the Cross, depicted on the “Funicular,” are meant to be traversed by pilgrims who wish to reflect on the events leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion. It is important to note that the “Good Journey” journey can be made in a meaningful way by foot or by using the Funicular de Braga, which is a 19th-century “staircase” of its own.

  • The Journey:

  • A physical and spiritual journey:

The “Sadness of Departure” theme is meant to be a metaphorical one, not a literal “staircase” to reach the top of the mountain.

  • Spiritual Significance: The 14 Stations of the Church of Bom Jesus are often seen as a symbol of faith and sacrifice, representing the journey Jesus took on his final day.

The “Funicular of the Good Shepherd”:

The “Staircase of the Funicular,” built by the city’s faithful to help pilgrims reach the top, is a reminder that even in life’s toughest moments, there are ways to overcome hardship and reach our goals.

  • Pilgrimage: The “Good Jesus” staircase

  • 110 Steps: The “110 steps” are a symbolic representation of the journey we all face in life.

The “Funicular” of the Mind: The 110-step journey is meant to be a reflection on the physical and spiritual journey.

A Journey of Redemption:

  • The Funicular:

The “Staircase of the Good Journey” offers a unique experience for those seeking a more reflective connection with the concept of the “Stations of the Good Journey” – 14 steps, representing the stages of Jesus’s final days, are a constant reminder of his journey.

  • Reflection on the Past:

The “Staircase of the Good Journey” is a reminder to reflect on the past and learn from it. The journey

to the top of Mount Calvary in Braga can be seen as a symbolic representation of the redemption we find in following Jesus’s example. It reminds us that faith, like the “110 steps” themselves, requires commitment and effort.

  • The Journey:

  • A physical journey: The “Staircase” itself is a testament to the challenges and triumphs faced by those who follow their faith.

Making the “Funicular”:

  • Taking the stairs: The “Good Journey” theme can be explored through the experience of climbing the 110 steps.
  • Reflection: The “Good Jesus” stations are a reminder that the journey is not always easy, but it is ultimately worth it for the peace and serenity we find in God.

Enjoy the View:

  • The 110 steps: The “journey” to the top of the Mount of Mercy (Monte do Bom Jesus)

is a powerful symbol of the commitment required to follow one’s faith, and they represent the challenges that we face in life.

  • The journey of the 14 Stations: This is why the “Good Shepherd” staircase was built on the hilltop – to symbolize the sacrifice that he made for us.

Beyond the Stairs:

While the “Funicular de Good Shepherd” (the 110 steps leading up to the chapel are a representation of the journey of faith, which can be challenging and require effort)

is a key element of the site, it’s important to remember that the “good” in our lives is often represented by the challenges we overcome.

  • The Funicular de Braga: This 19th-century “Funicular,” a symbol of the pilgrimage route, is a reminder of the sacrifices we make in life and how they can lead us to higher places.

The 110 steps:

  • A journey of faith: The “Good Shepherd” is a symbol of hope and guidance. Just as the staircase on the “Funicular of the Good Shepherd” represents the steps leading to redemption, the 14 steps represent the journey we must take to overcome them.

The Challenge of Faith:

  • A Reminder of our Journey: The “Stairs” of the Good Shepherd are a powerful symbol for those who choose to follow their faith.
  • To achieve a higher purpose, we need to be willing to face challenges and make sacrifices, just like the 110 steps represent the journey that Jesus took to his crucifixion.

The Funicular:

  • The “Funicular of the Good Shepherd” is a symbolic representation of the path to redemption.
  • A Journey: A journey that requires effort, dedication, and faith to climb.

The Journey:

  • The 110 steps represent the 14 stations of the cross.

Understanding the “Good Shepherd” theme:

  • The 110 steps: These are a reminder that the path to spiritual enlightenment is not always easy.

  • 14 Stations:

These are symbolic representations of the key moments in Jesus’s life that should be reflected upon:

  • The 1st Station:

Jesus’s birth.

  • The 2nd Station: A Reminder of the “Good Shepherd”

  • The Journey to understanding and accepting God’s love for us, even

in our suffering, is a journey we all take in our own way.

  • The 14 Stations:

These are:

Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem, Jesus’s triumph over the physical world.

  • The “Funicular” experience:

  • A reminder of the physical and spiritual challenges that we face in life.

  • The 14 steps:

  • 1. The 1st Station: The Agony in the Garden. This is a symbol for us to reflect on the burdens Jesus carried for us.

  • 2. The 14th Station: The Resurrection: This refers to the ultimate “good” that we are looking for.

  • A Journey of Faith:

The “Good Shepherd” staircase represents the journey we all take in life, striving to overcome challenges and reach a higher place.

  • A journey to God’s love: This is a reminder of his sacrifice and the importance of faith

in our lives.

  • Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem:

  • The “14th Step” is a metaphor for the finality of death and the eternal life we hope for through faith.

  • The 110 Steps: The journey of a believer to God

Remember:

  • The 110 steps represent the arduous path we must take to achieve our goals and reach our full potential.

  • Jesus’s journey:

This is a reminder to us that the journey to redemption is not one for the faint of heart.

  • It requires faith, courage, and perseverance.

The 110 steps:

  • are a powerful symbol of the “Good Jesus”
  • who guides us through hardship.

The Journey of Faith:

This is a reminder that our journey to God is not easy.

  • We must face challenges and overcome them through prayer and faith.**

The 14 stations of the Good Shepherd:

  • The steps are a reminder of Jesus’s journey to Calvary, and they can be

symbolically interpreted as the following:

  1. Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem: This is the 1st station of the Good Shepherd.
  2. The Last Supper: This is the 2nd, and final, station of the Good Journey.
  • Remember this:

This “Good” journey represents the commitment and faith that we need to have in order to follow

Jesus’s path.

It is a physical journey:

A reminder that our journey

towards God requires effort

and perseverance.

  • The 110 steps:

These are not meant to be

taken literally, but as

a representation of the

challenges and difficulties

that we face on

the spiritual journey.**

How To Reflect:

  • Think about the 14 Stations of the Cross:

It’s a journey of faith:

The Journey of the Good Shepherd is a

journey of reflection, prayer

and self-improvement.

Use the “Good Jesus” staircase for guidance:

This is a reminder to connect with God through

prayer

and seek his grace and support.

For travelers:

  • A Reminder: The 110 Steps

  • The 14th Station:

The “Journey of the Good Shepherd” reminds us that our faith

can be tested, but it is ultimately

rewarding.

  • A journey for redemption:

This refers to the spiritual journey we all

make in life, facing challenges and finding meaning

through a connection with God.

Remember:

  • The 110 steps represent a journey of faith

that we need to take

to understand and appreciate

the sacrifices Jesus made.

  • The “Good Shepherd” staircase is a reminder: that

we are all part of a larger story

and that we have the power to shape our own destinies

through hard work and dedication. *

The Journey of Faith:

This journey reminds us of the challenges and sacrifices faced by Jesus and those who follow him.

  • For travelers, it’s important to remember:

that God is always present and

available

to guide us through adversity. *

We can find strength and inspiration in his sacrifice. *

The Journey of Faith:

  • This journey, while challenging, ultimately leads

to a deeper relationship

with God. *

It’s a reminder that the path to spiritual growth is often filled with

difficulties

and

requires faith and commitment

to overcome.

  • The 114:

This refers to Jesus

overcoming challenges

in his life, leading to redemption.

A Reminder:

Life is a journey of faith and perseverance. Don’t forget the importance of

trusting in God

even when it seems impossible.

  • For Tourists:

It’s important to remember that

the path to happiness and fulfillment is

often a challenging one, but it is

worthwhile.

**The 11