Easy hikes and walks around Castrelos

The Church of St. John the Baptist, better known as the Old Cathedral of Bragança, is, for many visitors, the "true" religious soul of the city. While the New Cathedral is modern and functional, the Old Cathedral breathes history and art. It's worth visiting for 4 main reasons: 1. The Hidden Treasure Inside (The Golden "Wow") From the outside, the facade is relatively sober and simple. Those passing by in the square can't imagine the richness that lies inside. Gilded Woodcarving: As soon as you enter, you are struck by the brilliance of the Baroque altars. The main altar is impressive, but the side altars are also incredibly rich in 18th-century gilded woodcarving. The Sacristy Ceiling: This is a secret that many tourists miss. If you manage to peek into the sacristy, look at the ceiling: it has oil paintings encased in wood that tell the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola. It's an art gallery on the ceiling. 2. The Jesuit Heritage (Living History) This church was not originally a cathedral. It was part of a Jesuit College founded in the 16th century. This explains the structure and art focused on visual catechesis. It only became a "Sé" (Cathedral) in 1764, when the bishop moved from Miranda do Douro to Bragança, "borrowing" this Jesuit church to be his seat. 3. The Cloister of Peace Next to the main nave, there is a very beautiful and tranquil Renaissance cloister. It is a space of silence in the middle of the city, with stone arcades and an interior garden that invites a pause. It is one of the most photogenic cloisters in Bragança. 4. Strategic Location It is located in Praça da Sé, the heart of the lower part of the city. It is the ideal stopping point before or after climbing to the Castle. Right across the street is the city's Gothic pillory, allowing you to see two monuments in one place. Visiting tip: After seeing the Old Cathedral, take a look at the surrounding buildings in the Cathedral Square; many of them have cafes with terraces where you can sample local sweets (such as the "pitos" of Santa Luzia) with a view of the church.

The Domus Municipalis of Bragança is one of those unparalleled treasures. It's worth visiting not only because it's a national monument, but because it's a true relic: the only example of Romanesque civil architecture in the entire Iberian Peninsula. If you enjoy history or architecture, you'll quickly understand why this building is so special: 1. An Architectural Rarity (Unique Form) While most Romanesque buildings that have survived to this day are churches or monasteries, this is a civil (non-religious) building. Even more curious is its shape: an irregular pentagon. This is not something you see every day in medieval architecture. 2. The Mysterious Dual Function Upon entering, you'll realize that the building is "two in one". This clever engineering tells a story of the city's survival: The Lower Floor (The Cistern): The building's base is a huge vaulted cistern that collected rainwater and spring water. Since Bragança (and its Citadel) is located on a hill, water was a scarce and vital resource for resisting military sieges. The Upper Floor (The "Town Hall"): Above the cistern, there is a large room with windows all around (letting in plenty of light and air). It is believed that this was where the "good men" of the council met to discuss city affairs. Imagine a medieval town hall, outdoors but covered. 3. Details Not to Be Missed The Light and the Views: As it is an open space with a gallery of arched windows all around, the light enters in a very special way, creating a photogenic environment and allowing you to see the Citadel from various angles. The Modillions (Corners): If you look closely at the cornice (the top of the walls, both inside and out), you'll see small stone sculptures called modillions or corbels. They have curious shapes, ranging from human faces to animals and geometric figures, typical of medieval imagery. It's a quick visit (you can see it in 15-20 minutes), it's free (usually), and it's literally next to the Church of Santa Maria and the Castle. In other words, there's no reason not to go in!

Bragança Castle, located in northeastern Portugal, is one of the most impressive and well-preserved medieval castles in the country. Keep: At 33 meters high, it is one of the most imposing in Portugal. Inside, it houses the Bragança Military Museum, where you can see a vast collection of light weaponry, from the 12th century to the First World War. From the top of the tower, there is a breathtaking view over the old city, the new part of Bragança, and the surrounding mountains (Montesinho, Sanábria). The Princess Tower is an old residential outbuilding (Alcáçova Tower) famous for a tragic love legend. In the citadel, you can stroll through the streets within the walls, where the medieval atmosphere remains almost intact.

The Church of Santa Maria, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Sardão, is considered the oldest church in Bragança and is a must-see for anyone visiting the Citadel. Located within the walls, it is in a privileged setting, right next to the famous Domus Municipalis and a few steps from the castle's Keep. Baroque Facade: The entrance stands out for its beautiful portal flanked by two Solomonic (twisted) columns decorated with vines and bunches of grapes, a detail much praised by visitors. Pay particular attention to: The Painted Ceiling: Upon entering, look up. The ceiling of the central nave features a perspective painting (trompe-l'œil) representing the Assumption of the Virgin, full of vibrant colors. It is, without a doubt, the "wow" element of the interior. High Altar: Dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, with a 17th-century image. Also note the Figueiredos Chapel, rich in gilded woodcarving.

forest fire

Here you can sit on comfortable benches and appreciate a splendid and vast landscape. The view extends over the surrounding nature of Vinhais, characterized by the dominant presence of oaks (carvalho) and large natural areas.

The Vinhais Biological Park is a protected natural area and conservation center located in the municipality of Vinhais, in northern Portugal, within the Montesinho Natural Park. This park plays an important role in the conservation of local biodiversity and in the promotion of environmental education.

This is a beautiful reservoir, with calm waters where you can even spot big fish, although fishing is prohibited. On sunny days (which is almost always), the view of the lake is simply breathtaking. You can cycle along the entire western side of the lake.