City guide
Braga Romana: Where to Stay for the Roman Festival
Braga began as Bracara Augusta, a Roman city founded more than two thousand years ago. Every spring, Braga Romana turns the historic centre back into it for a few days, with a Roman market, ceremonies, shows and people in costume in the squares around the cathedral. This guide covers what usually happens and where to stay to be in the middle of it.
When it happens
In recent years Braga Romana has taken place over several days in late May; the 2025 edition was the festival's 21st. The council announces each year's dates and programme in the spring, so check them before you book.
What's on
Recent editions have spread stages across the old town, including Praça Municipal, the Rossio da Sé beside the cathedral, Largo do Pópulo, Largo de São João do Souto and Largo de Santiago. There is a Roman market with craft stalls, an area for food and drink, and a programme of re-enacted ceremonies such as a Roman wedding, a baptism and a funeral.
In the evening, recent programmes have had fire shows, a triumphal procession and a Circus Maximus show. Most of it takes place outdoors in the historic centre.
The Roman city underneath
The festival is a good moment to see what is left of Bracara Augusta: the Roman baths and theatre on the Alto da Cividade, the Fonte do Ídolo, a Roman-era shrine carved into the rock, the Roman house under the cathedral area, and the D. Diogo de Sousa archaeology museum. Recent editions have offered guided visits to several of these sites.
Stay next to the cathedral
The festival happens in the squares around the cathedral, so the closer you sleep, the easier it is to step in and out. Our two apartments on Largo do Paço are right next to the cathedral and the Rossio da Sé. Expect music and crowds in the old town during the festival days: that is part of being at the centre of it.
Coming by car or with a family
Parking in the old town is scarce at the best of times. If you are driving, or coming as a family or group, our larger Braga apartment east of the centre has free private parking and more room, and the centre is a short taxi or bus ride away.
The festival brings many visitors to the old town, so book as soon as you know your dates. You can book directly with us, the owners, with no platform fees.
How far things are from our apartments
| Place | Rua Engenheiro José Justino de Amorim | Largo do Paço |
|---|---|---|
| Sé de Braga | 1.5 km | 83 m |
| Braga Municipal Market | 1.7 km | 0.4 km |
| Braga Train Station | 2 km | 0.7 km |
| Braga Bus Station | 1.7 km | 0.6 km |
| Bom Jesus do Monte | 2.9 km | 4.1 km |
Where to stay: our apartments
Feel At Home - Free private parking
Rua Engenheiro José Justino de Amorim 82, 4715-023 Braga, Portugal
Feel at Home - Largo do Paço
9 Largo do Paço 2ºE, 4700-320 Braga, Portugal
Feel at Home - Sé de Braga
9 Largo do Paço 2ºE, 4700-320 Braga, Portugal
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Nov 10Frequently Asked Questions
When is Braga Romana?
In recent years it has taken place over several days in late May. The council announces each year's dates in the spring.
Where does Braga Romana take place?
In the historic centre, with stages in squares such as Praça Municipal, the Rossio da Sé by the cathedral, Largo do Pópulo and Largo de São João do Souto.
Is Braga Romana good for children?
Yes. With costumes, a market and outdoor shows in the squares, it suits families well.
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