Stairs of Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga, Portugal

The most iconic image of Bom Jesus do Monte, in Braga, are the ornamental stairs zigzagging up the hill, on a spiritual journey through scenes depicting the main episodes of the Passion of Christ. The staircase, its 577 steps and its chapels, known as the Sacred Way, started being built in 1723 and were completed in the late 18th century. Despite not being associated with any vision or saint, the place is a popular pilgrimage destination since the 14th century. 
The stairway has three segments:
-the first segment, dedicated to the Via Crucis, was built in 1723, sponsored by Archbishop D. Rodrigo de Moura Telles;
- the second segment, also sponsored by D. Rodrigo, is dedicated to the five senses;
- the third segment, built in 1784, under the patronage of D. Gaspar de Bragança, is dedicated to the three theological virtues- faith, hope and charity.
In 1760 three octagonal chapels, depicting episodes that occurred after the crucifixion, were built behind the main church.
The figurines in the chapels are made out of terracotta.
Take bus #2 in Avenida da Liberdade, in Braga, to reach the Bom Jesus.

Back to Braga












Local: Braga, Portugal

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