Hotel Vila Gale Collection Braga
The Portuguese city of Braga is one of Europe’s oldest: ‘Bracara Augusta’ was founded during the reign of Cesar Augusta (27BC-14AD) and was named in his honour – however, the small settlement of ‘Bracari’ pre-dates the Romans, and was thought to be the Celtic capital of Gallaecia, a region ruled by the Callaeci Bracari tribe.
For the Romans, Braga was an important junction of four roads, connecting the modern-day cities of Porto, Lugo and Astorga – a road network which subsequently led the Suevians, the Visigoths and the Moors into northern Portugal, before the ‘Reconquista’ instigated the creation of the Kingdom of Portugal. This cultural melting pot can still be felt today – in the regional cuisine, the preserved religious relics, and in the beautiful architecture in Braga’s historic quarter, where Moorish archways sit side-by-side with twisted Baroque columns and ornate Manueline arcades.
The same is true of the Hotel Vila Gale Collection Braga, which began life as the city’s Sao Marcos University Hospital. Founded by the Archbishop of Braga in the 16th century, the hospital was built on the site of a much older 12th century Templar hermitage, and was expanded with the addition of the baroque Palacio do Raio and the stately north building in the 18th century.
The most impressive, original architectural features can be seen in the shared guest areas: the gable archway in the entrance lobby, the vaulted ceilings in the hotel’s Versatil and Inevitavel restaurants, and the inner cloister with its baroque fountain. The 123 guest rooms are more contemporary in their feel, with a palette of gentle shades and simple, uncluttered furnishing. There are 22 family rooms, 7 superior rooms and 15 suites – some have balconies overlooking a small inner garden, others overlook the sun terrace and outdoor pool – there’s also an indoor pool and well-equipped gym.
Braga’s historic landmarks are within easy walking distance – the Arco da Porta Nova medieval gate, the Palacio do Raio, the Jardim de Santa Barbara, and the Termas Romans do Alto da Cividade are all close by – and Roman Catholic monument at Bom Jesus do Monte is a short drive away.
