Stairs in Bom Jesus, Sacred stairway in Braga, Portugal.
The Stairs in Bom Jesus is a massive granite stairway that rises through the hillside in three main sections, connecting the lower entrance to the hilltop church compound. Along the way, small chapels and decorated fountains sit between the steps, each one adding architectural and artistic detail to the climb.
Construction started in the 1720s when a church leader decided to transform the simple sacred site into an important pilgrimage destination. Over the decades, additional structures were added and refined, gradually shaping the complex into what visitors see today.
Chapels line the path and show scenes from Christian teachings, creating moments of reflection as you climb. The fountains and sculptures you encounter tell stories that give the walk spiritual meaning.
You can climb on foot or take the cable car that runs alongside the steps for an easier journey. The walk works best when temperatures are mild and you have time to move at a relaxed pace without rushing.
Water fountains along the path feature artistic carvings that represent human senses and spiritual themes. These fountains served both as decoration and as practical stops for pilgrims making the long journey upward.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
