Begin in Braga and take one of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago. Pass through São Frutoso de Montélio, cross the river Cávado and keep going to Terras de Bouro. The route, closely following the old Roman roads, takes you to Gerês before crossing the border into Spain at Portela do Homem.

This Caminho da Geira Romana route is signposted with Roman milestones.

On visiting Braga, (a city that rivalled Santiago de Compostela in importance in the 11th century), make the short tour of sites dedicated to the worship of Santiago (St. James). Begin at the Se, right in the city’s historic centre, head up Rua de D. Gonçalo Pereira as far as Largo de Santiago.

Admire the Fountain and Tower of Santiago and the Seminary next door. Visit the São Marcos Hospital Church, one of the ancient safe havens on the Portuguese stretch of the route. Following the EN 201, make time for the Chapel of São Frutuoso de Montélios and the Monastery of Tibães, which also once provided refuge for pilgrims.

Your visit to the Minho must certainly include the three major sanctuaries dedicated to the Virgin Mary: the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro and the Church of Santa Maria Madalena. Massive in scale and ambition, they all include fine and beautiful examples of religiously inspired works of art.