Heritage

With origins dating back to Roman times, it was in 1110, even before the founding of Portugal, that King Henry and Queen Teresa donated vast lands to the monks, creating the Couto de Tibães. From the 12th century onwards, the monastery became the worldwide mother house of the Benedictine Order, housing monks for about 700 years, until the extinction of male religious orders in 1835.
It was here that great master builders trained and worked, decisively influencing the agriculture, economy, architecture, and social organization of the region. CasaNova Farmhouse was integrated into this vast estate, reinforcing the historical link to the monastery. A visit is essential to understand the workings of this structure that profoundly marked the Minho region over the centuries.
An important religious building with beautiful cloisters and gardens that played a central role in the spiritual and social life of the Minho region throughout the centuries and is located very close to CasaNova Farmhouse.

Have you ever heard the expression "This is older than Braga Cathedral"? There's a reason: its construction as a Christian building began in the 11th century and underwent several alterations over the centuries. In 1268 the works were still not completed and in 1688 it was again extensively renovated.
However, the site was already occupied by Roman structures from the time of Bracara Augusta, which remains common throughout the city of Braga. The bodies of Dona Teresa and Dom Henrique, Counts of Portucale and mentors of the creation of the Monastery of São Martinho de Tibães, are buried in the Cathedral.
A National Monument since 1910, the Cathedral is a sacred, historic space that is a must-see, located in the heart of the city.
The primatial cathedral, almost always an object of admiration, is a place where art, architecture, and religiosity intertwine, reflecting centuries of devotion and cultural identity.

A mystical blend of nature and faith intertwined in a unique place. With 573 steps spread across three staircases and over 600 years of history, it's a must-see, with churches, woods, gardens, and a lake in complete harmony with the concept of Sacri Monti (sacred mountain) promoted by the Catholic Church at the Council of Trent in the 16th century.
Of particular note is the visit to the magnificent funicular, the oldest in the world powered by water. Yes, powered by water. The two cabins move by counterweight: the upper one fills and releases water, and as it descends, it causes the other to rise. A simple and ingenious mechanism designed by the Swiss engineer Niklaus Riggenbach, whose local construction was overseen by the engineer Raul Mesnier du Ponsard.
It was inaugurated on March 25, 1882. Its success was such that, in that same year, the New Lisbon Elevator Company (SARL) was created in Lisbon, which invited Ponsard to design and install funiculars in Lisbon, namely the elevators of Bica, Estrela, Glória, Graça, Lavra, Município, and Santa Justa. These works, over time, ended up being integrated into the current Carris (Lisbon's public transport company).
A sanctuary that combines faith and nature. Don't miss the climb up the staircases, the extraordinary views, and the enchanting gardens.

It is the most important Portuguese Marian shrine after the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima and the Sanctuary of the Sovereign Mother in Loulé. A place of great history and devotion, it is worth highlighting the view and the beauty of the buildings in a location conducive to contemplation.
Another important sanctuary offering panoramic views over Braga and the surrounding area. Ideal for moments of serenity and contemplation.

With the collapse of the Roman Empire during the Crisis of the Third Century, Bracara went into decline, but between 284 and 289 it was reborn with great prosperity. In 411, with the arrival of the Suebi, the Pax Romana in Gallaecia ended. For 174 years a medieval kingdom of the West emerged here, with evidence suggesting that the kings lived in Mire de Tibães and not in the city.
Years of battles, baptisms, and conversions followed. In 585, the Uyghur kingdom was dominated by the Visigoths, another Germanic kingdom established in the area. In 711, the Moors landed in the south of the Iberian Peninsula and invaded the Visigothic kingdom, conquering the city of Braga in 717. Over the next 300 years, there is a record of extensive destruction of the existing monumental buildings. The Lugo area became the Christian stronghold of the region, remaining so until 1070.
With the Christian reconquest carried out by King Ferdinand I of León, the Great, the Christian territory extended as far as Coimbra. One of his sons, Alfonso VI of León and Castile, would become the father of Teresa of León, who married Henry of Burgundy. They both received the County of Portucale, which would give rise to Portugal under Afonso Henriques. This county included the territory where the Couto and the Monastery of São Martinho de Tibães were founded. Teresa and Henry were also lords of the city between 1096 and 1112, the year in which they donated Braga to the archbishops.
Steeped in millennia of history, Braga has much to visit, investigate, and discover. Every street, square, church, garden, arch, or tower tells a part of its rich past. At CasaNova, you'll find the city's extensive and comprehensive Cultural Agenda, also accessible online, where you can learn more about places to visit and delve deeper into its historical past. Braga also offers a vast cultural program—concerts, exhibitions, performing arts, and much more. A world to discover, renewed every month.

Ponte de Lima, Guimarães, Barcelos, Citânia de Briteiros and Viana do Castelo.