I know the city I am from, Adelaide, is known as ‘The City of Churches’, but I don’t think whomever gave it that title had ever visited Braga. Because this city is an absolute mecca for church enthusiasts.

Braga is the third-largest city in Portugal and is home to some of the most magnificent Baroque churches I have ever laid eyes on, the star of the show being Bom Jesus do Monte, the enchanting hillside-church that is surrounded by elegant gardens.

Besides being the hometown of some of Portugal’s most beautiful churches, Braga also happens to be the hometown to a beautiful Portuguese boy I know, so we decided to visit the city on our way to Gerês.

We could not have chosen a more beautiful city to have lunch in (and I’m not just saying that because I was taken to an amazing vegetarian restaurant).

We started by visiting the old part of the city, where cobblestone streets and ancient narrow lanes are closed to vehicles, adding to the charm of the boutique and cafe-filled city centre. My camera was already filled with far too many angles of church towers by the time we headed towards Bom Jesus.

Bom Jesus is breathtaking. The picture-perfect church is so perfectly positioned above the city that it hardly seems real. In front of the church you will find a magnificent staircase that swirls down the hill and behind, the gorgeous gardens make the perfect spot for picnicking, boat-rowing and horse-riding. There is also an ‘enchanted hill’ that will blow your mind until you demand a scientific explanation…

Braga is beautiful. Do yourself a favour and visit this city of churches (in the Northern Hemisphere).