Estadio Municipal, Braga

For anyone of a certain age, Euro 2004 will bring back plenty of fond memories.

The main entrance to the stadium is hidden in an underground car park

England had a genuine chance of winning (until it came to penalties, at which point things inevitably took a turn for the worse), a young Cristiano Ronaldo was the inspiration for the hosts, and Greece somehow triumphed against all the odds.

There was also the less-than-memorable 'silver goal' and it remains the only tournament which Latvia have participated in; something you have probably long-since forgotten - unless of course you happen to be Latvian!

One of the most striking stadiums of the tournament is the 'odd ground built into the cliffs' which is otherwise known as Estadio Municipal - the home of Sporting Clube de Braga.

Imposing, inspiring and a magnificent stadium

The stadium has won numerous awards in the years since, owing to its superb design, and it remains an absolute masterpiece of architecture - completely different to every other venue in the world that you're ever likely to see.

Visiting the Estadio Municipal was a burning desire that I'd held pretty much ever since this tournament and unlike England's national team, I was determined that one day dreams would become a reality.

The stadium front - oppressive or magnificent? Decide for yourself...

So during a week-long trip to Portugal, I ventured to this deeply religious town on a day trip, primarily to take in this most unique of stadiums. The weather wasn't great though it only served to add to the feeling of being somewhere very special.

Inside the ground at the end next to the quarry
(with thanks to the groundsman who let me inside to take a few photos)

Pitchside; from where the stands look absolutely huge!

Another view that shows the sheer size of the stands

This side-view of the stand gives an indication of the work that went in during construction

A closer look 'behind the goal'
Being adjacent to it, the quarry doesn't seem that huge (maybe it's an illusion?)

How to get to Braga?

A reminder incase you forget where you are

Located in the north-west of the country, Braga is easily accessible from all other major towns and cities in Portugal.

The closest airport is Porto, approximately 50 kilometres away. Direct bus services to Braga are in operation from outside the terminal building and journey times are around an hour.

An express train from Lisbon will set you back around €30-€40. The journey time is around 4hrs. If travelling from Porto, travel costs vary but are still inexpensive compared to plenty of other countries on the continent.

MONEY SAVING TIP: Before you go, check the calendar for Portuguese Bank Holidays! On my visit, I was fortunate to visit Braga on a bank holiday and paid just €2 for a RETURN TICKET from Porto Campanha. Obrigado!


What else is there to see?

The Bom Jesus de Monte on a very, very foggy day

The steps of the Bom Jesus de Monte. Grandiose architecture!

Braga is considered to be the most religious place in the country and is also the location of the magnificent 'Bom Jesus de Monte' which welcomes hundreds of visitors per day.

There is a frequent bus service to 'Bom Jesus' departing from immediately outside the train station and as of December 2017, buses departed at 30-minute intervals.

Braga city centre is also a short walk from the railway station and is home to a number of interesting and different attractions.

Also, don't be surprised to hear more than a few religious songs being played over speaker-type systems as you make your way through the pleasant, quaint and narrow streets of the centre.

A selection of photos, showcasing what the city has to offer, can be seen below:

Braga city centre is easy to explore

One of the numerous religious buildings situated in the city

The quaint, narrow and delightful streets

Getting tickets for a Braga game?

Although I've yet to visit the Estadio Municipal for a game (something which will hopefully become a reality within the next year or two), tickets are apparently relatively straightforward and easy to purchase.

Portuguese clubs generally aren't the best when it comes to speed or efficiency, but tickets can be bought online with prices starting at around €10 for most games. Expect to pay more when the likes of Sporting Lisbon, Porto or Benfica are in town.

Looking into the ground from the quarry

History

For a detailed history about the Estadio Municipal, including a fascinating account of just how much effort was put in during the construction stage, then follow this link.