Why move to Braganca District
There aren’t many places in 21st century Europe where you feel as sheltered from the stresses of the modern world as in Braganca’s medieval towns and villages,
In the district of Braganca you are entering one of the last surviving outposts of genuine medieval Europe. Part of the region known for over a thousand years as Tras-os-Montes (‘behind the mountains’) this is a remote and starkly beautiful place where life and culture continues as it has done for many centuries.
Braganca forms the north-eastern border with Spain, with two extraordinary natural parks offering a rugged, natural division. Along the northern edge is Parque Natural de Montesinho which, like something from J.R.R. Tolkien, is colloquially known as the ‘cold lands’. Only slightly more accessible than Mount Doom, this sparsely inhabited landscape of ancient oaks is home to wild animals like wolves, otters and boars together with the occasional medieval village.
On a plateau above the park is the district’s capital Braganca, an important tactical location since Roman times. The settlement was developed in the middle ages when the still surviving city walls and castle were constructed. You can still feel the history in this perfectly preserved location, but also enjoy many modern cultural highlights and settle in one of the extensive suburban developments.
Head south and the landscape changes again, from the cold lands of the north to the hot lands of the south with an altogether warmer climate – although that distinction might be hard to believe during the colder winter months. Running along the southern edge is the Douro river which flows through the second major natural park and winds its way to Porto in the west.
The district is a great place to truly get away from it all; its natural inaccessibility led many to migrate into the cities during the 20th century, and that has left a largely ageing population of just 124,000. On the upside, there is a lack of tourism here and a wide range of stunning rural properties to be found at reasonable prices, including vast country estates, hillside farms and charming village houses. Whatever your budget you won’t have to look far for unspoiled nature and quiet walks in a dramatic landscape.
Despite this decline in population the locals cling hard to regional customs and traditional industries. Agriculture is still the backbone of the economy and informs the delicious regional cuisine of embutidos lamb, Mirandes beef, river trout and of course delicious pastries and honeyed sweets. Visit the region over Easter and you’ll get caught up in the vibrant carnival celebrations which last for days with many colourful costumes, parades and music bringing revellers from across the world.
Although it is remote there are good connections to the major cities and towns, with Porto accessible by rail and paved road. Travel to some of the smaller villages shouldn’t be attempted in a hurry as roads are often narrow and winding, but like everything in Braganca that little extra effort is rewarded with sights of outstanding natural beauty.