Way of Saint James of San Rosendo

The Camino de São Rosendo is a unique pilgrimage route that connects Santo Tirso to Santiago de Compostela, passing through stunning landscapes and historical sites full of spirituality. This journey through the interior of the peninsula invites pilgrims to discover the cultural and natural heart of northern Portugal and Galicia.
The itinerary of San Rosendo follows the route of ancient Roman roads, such as the Via Nova, from Braga to Santa Comba de Bande, and, from the Visigothic church, a secondary branch that connected Aquis Querquennis (a Roman camp located in Os Baños) to Lugo, via Ourense.
Along the way, pilgrims pass through emblematic cities and towns such as Vila Nova de Famalicão, Guimarães, Braga, Amares and Terras de Bouro, before crossing the border through Lobios, passing through Celanova - where St. Rosendo died and is buried - towards Ourense, where it joins other Jacobean routes towards the tomb of the Apostle.
Saint Rosendo, a Galician abbot and political leader of the 10th century, was Bishop of Dume and Mondonhedo between 925 and 950, and administrator of the Compostela Cathedral between 968 and 977, and is intrinsically linked to the history of Braga.

In addition to its profound spiritual and historical value, the route dazzles pilgrims with its rich heritage. Monasteries, churches, castles, medieval bridges, pazos and archaeological remains mark the landscape, reflecting centuries of shared history between Portugal and Galicia.
The experience is enriched by the intangible heritage: religious and popular festivals, local cuisine, traditional dances and music, handicrafts and legends that are part of the living identity of the communities they welcome with hospitality.
Crossing areas of great natural beauty, through Atlantic forests, verdant valleys, crystal-clear rivers and imposing mountains, one of the highlights is passing through the UNESCO-listed Gerês-Xurés Transfrontier Biosphere Reserve, a sanctuary of biodiversity and stunning landscapes, where nature and spirituality go hand in hand.

Parishes of the City of Braga on the São Tiago and Its Monuments Trail

1 - Fraião - Ancestral Church, Fountain of Iron Water
2 - Nogueira - Church of Santa Maria Madalena, Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Chapel of Santa Marta do Leão
3 - São José de São Lázaro - Palácio do Raio, Fonte do Ídolo, Basilica dos Congregados
4 - Cividade - Bracara Augusta Thermal Baths and Roman Theater, Medieval Tower, Cruise with Fountain in Largo de Santiago
5 - Sé - Sé Primacial, Igreja da Misericórdia, Arco da Porta Nova, Domus da Escola Velha da Sé
6 - São João do Souto - Torre de Menagem, Igreja de Santa Cruz, Igreja de São Marcos, Jardim de Santa Bárbara
7 - S. Vicente - São Vicente Church, Mouzinho de Albuquerque Square Fountain, Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church, Municipal Market
8 - San Victor - Seven Fountains Monument Complex, San Victor Church, Guadalupe Park, Montariol Franciscan Convent
9 - Adaúfe - Mother Church, Roman Geira that connects the center of the parish to the Seven Fountains, Mills and mill by the River Cávado
10 - Navarre - Mother Church and Chapel of Santa Cristina, Surrounding areas of the River Cávado
11 - Crespos - Mother Church, Chapel of Senhor do Padrão, Various Solares in the parish
12 - Pousada - Mother Church, Harbour Bridge, Lages Vineyard (Castro Agrícola)

Stages on the road to São Rosendo and Rainha Santa

1- Braga - Santa Cruz (Terras de Bouro)
2- Santa Cruz (Terras de Bouro) - Campo do Gerês
3- Campo do Gerês - Lobios
4- Lobios - Bande (Ourense)
5- Bande (Ourense) - Celanova
6- Celanova - Ourense
7- Ourense - Cea
8- Cea - Dozón
9- Dozón - Silleda - Ulla Bridge
10- Ulla Bridge - Santiago de Compostela

Route in the municipality along the path of São Rosendo and Rainha Santa:
The Caminho da São Rosendo e da Rainha Santa runs for approximately 20 km in the municipality of Braga, passing through the parishes mentioned at the beginning.
Get to know the route of the Central Portuguese Way through Braga in the municipality of Braga HERE.