Braga

The 1755 Lisbon earthquake, also known as the Great Lisbon earthquake, occurred in the morning of 1 November 1755 and was one of the deadliest earthquakes in history. Although Lisbon was the epicenter, the effects of the earthquake reached as far north as Braga. This catastrophe caused considerable panic in Braga, damaging numerous buildings, including churches and residences, and impacting the local economy severely.

On October 5, 1910, the Portuguese monarchy was abolished and the First Portuguese Republic was established, an event closely observed in Braga. The political climate in Braga, as with much of Portugal, was influenced by the revolution and the shift from monarchy to republic. Many residents in Braga were involved in or affected by the revolutionary change, which led to the transformation of Portuguese society, impacting governance, and culture in the city.

The University of Minho, one of the most prestigious universities in Portugal, was established on May 19, 1927 in Braga. The university has played a crucial role in the educational and cultural development of the city, offering a range of undergraduate, graduate, and research programs. Its presence has attracted students and academics from across the world, contributing significantly to Braga's reputation as a center of learning and innovation.

Sporting Clube de Braga, commonly known as S.C. Braga, was founded on June 28, 1951. It is a Portuguese sports club from the city of Braga. The club is best known for its professional football team that competes in the Primeira Liga, the top tier of Portuguese football. Over the years, S.C. Braga has grown to become one of the most prominent football clubs in Portugal, known for reaching the UEFA Europa League final in 2011 and consistently finishing in the top ranks of the league.

After the Carnation Revolution in 1974, Portugal transitioned to democracy, and Braga held its first democratic local elections on April 25, 1976. This was part of the shift to a democratic system of governance across Portugal, allowing citizens to elect representatives and local government officials. This event marked an important step in Braga's political evolution, reflecting the broader democratic reforms taking place in the country at the time.

In 1995, Braga celebrated the recognition of the nearby Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte as a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. Although the official designation came later, this marked an important cultural milestone for the city. The Sanctuary, known for its Baroque staircase and historical significance as a pilgrimage site, has attracted visitors and pilgrims from around the world. Its architecture and surrounding landscape hold significant cultural heritage value.

On June 12, 2004, the Braga Municipal Stadium hosted one of the matches for the UEFA Euro 2004 tournament, marking a significant event for the city. The stadium, known for its innovative design, was one of several new stadiums constructed across Portugal for the tournament. Hosting an international football competition brought increased global attention to Braga, boosting tourism and local pride. The sports infrastructure development left a long-lasting impact on the city.

On February 20, 2012, the Archdiocese of Braga was elevated to the status of a Metropolitan Archdiocese. The Archbishop of Braga became the Metropolitan Archbishop, heading an ecclesiastical province that included several suffragan dioceses in northern Portugal. This elevation recognized Braga's historical importance as one of the oldest and most significant episcopal sees in the country, dating back to Roman times. The archdiocese is also home to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a renowned pilgrimage site.

Braga Municipal Stadium, known for its unique architectural design, officially opened on March 12, 2016. Designed by Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, the stadium is carved into the Monte Castro quarry, giving it a distinctive look with two side stands and open ends. It was originally constructed for Euro 2004 and has since become an iconic landmark in Braga, hosting numerous football matches, concerts, and other events. Its architectural significance has been recognized internationally.

On July 6, 2019, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the sanctuary's cultural and historical significance, including its stunning Baroque stairway and intricate architectural details. The designation as a World Heritage Site has enhanced Braga's profile internationally, promoting tourism and conservation efforts, and acknowledging the city's rich religious and architectural heritage.