Portugues Camino - Central Route Little Gems

[GuyA]

Leaving Porto this morning on a much different Camino than planned (started in Lisbon...had to stop due to blisters as covered in another post).

We will now be walking much shorter days in the 18-20 km range so an opportunity to see the little gems along the way presents itself...these are the things I would have simply walked by with the original plan.

If you have any suggestions or thoughts I would appreciate hearing them.

This morning we are delaying our departure from Porto to see the monastery at Maia which opens at 14:00 on Tuesdays.

Thanks and Bom Caminho

Guy

 

[Camembert]

Once you arrive in Barcelos take a day off and take the bus or train to Braga and visit the world heritage sanctuary Bom Jesus de Monte and the interesting towncenter of Braga.
On your way to Ponte de Lima from Barcelos after 18 kms( 3 kms after the village of Balugães) you find the best albergue of your entire caminho, Casa da Fernanda. Do not forget to sleep there for the night. If not you stayed there, you are missing something. Casa da Fernanda is on the waymarked path.

 

[Zoula]

I did exactly what Albertino is suggesting and no regrets, well worthed. The only suggestion I would add is to call Fernanda a few days ahead, to make sure you have a bed, although at this time of year, you might be ok. Bom Caminho!

 

[IngridF]

Weather permitting sleep on the porch at Fernanda's . Enjoy and if you remember give her a hug from me.

 

[WalkingJane]

Leaving Porto this morning on a much different Camino than planned (started in Lisbon...had to stop due to blisters as covered in another post).

We will now be walking much shorter days in the 18-20 km range so an opportunity to see the little gems along the way presents itself...these are the things I would have simply walked by with the original plan.

If you have any suggestions or thoughts I would appreciate hearing them.

This morning we are delaying our departure from Porto to see the monastery at Maia which opens at 14:00 on Tuesdays.

Thanks and Bom Caminho

Guy

You might want to go over to Braga as you get up North. It's quite a lovely, old city with a cathedral on (nearly) every corner. Pilgrim-wise, there is the shrine of Bom Jesus north of the city - quite impressive with an amazing view. It was on the Roman road, called Bracara Augusta way back then. There are also celtic ruins outside the city.

 

[Camembert]

You might want to go over to Braga as you get up North. It's quite a lovely, old city with a cathedral on (nearly) every corner. Pilgrim-wise, there is the shrine of Bom Jesus north of the city - quite impressive with an amazing view. It was on the Roman road, called Bracara Augusta way back then. There are also celtic ruins outside the city.

In addition.. in the center of Braga at the central square with a big round fountain is situated the Braga tourist center. Ask there how to get from there to the busstop to the Bom Jesus do Monte. It is a few hundered meters from there.
To the Bom Jesus-which is on the world heritage list of famous buildings -it is an about 5 kms walk.
If you walk from the tourist info onto the Sé cathedral , after some meters at a left corner you find a real authentic bar "a Brasileira " and have a drink in between the the locals. One of my favorite places.
As a musician I like to come in Braga every time I am in Portugal because Braga is a main center in the world for handbuilt traditional stringed musical instruments like o violão Português-wellknown for use in fado concerts-o Braginho and the cavaquinho ,a small instrument similar to the ukulele and used in Portuguese traditional and Brasilean choro music.
After one hundred meters at the left is the Sé cathedral. They ask an entrance fee to visit the church but you can get a free stamp if you ask for it.
In the month of may every year is a Roman festival with dressed up Roman soldiers and citizens -when you are lucky you will meet Julius Ceasar in person- , demonstrations of Roman fights, a Roman market etc. very nice.
Although Braga is not on the central route it is worthwhile to do the detour by bus or train from Barcelos-about 20 kms from Barcelos- and if you like you can stay in the albergue of Braga and walk from there on the caminho de Braga to Ponte de Lima to continue the central caminho from there. But then you will miss another gem on the central, albergue casa da Fernanda. !
So up to you !

Bom caminho