Balneário Pré-Romano de Bracara

The Balneário Pré-Romano de Bracara is an ancient bathing complex predating Roman settlement that lies beneath present-day Braga. The site consisted of connected chambers with stone walls and a stone roof, linked by a semicircular opening that allowed movement between the different sections.

The bathing complex was built during the Iron Age Castro culture period, well before the Romans established the city as Bracara Augusta. This early structure demonstrates that the region already possessed sophisticated bathing and construction techniques before Roman influence arrived.

This bathing complex was a gathering place where people came together to clean themselves and relax before the Romans arrived in the region. The division into separate chambers reflects how important such facilities were to daily life and community practices.

The site is accessible through archaeological excavations beneath street level near the current train station area. Visitors should know this is an active or protected archaeological zone where access times may vary depending on research activity.

The complex featured an external courtyard with a water basin that channeled spring water from the local area to the Cávado River. This water management system shows that residents could already harness natural sources to provide cold bathing options.