This is an excellent and comfortable base from which to explore this remote and historic region that time has forgotten.

The town is the seat of the Royal House of Braganca who ruled Portugal from 1640 to 1910 when the monarchy was dissolved.

The old medieval walled town known as the Citadela has been virtually untouched for centuries. It surrounds the 13th Century council chamber and 12th Century keep.

The keep has a military museum and a viewing platform affording panoramic views of the area and across to Spain.

Due to its remoteness, Braganca became sanctuary to the Jewish population fleeing Spain to escape the Inquisition, their culture affected many aspects of Braganca life.

Outside the fortified walls in the new town is the Renaissance Cathedral of Sao Joao Baptista, with painted panels of the life of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order.

Also worth visiting is the Igreja de Sao Bento, a Renaissance gem.

The 18th Century Bishop's Palace, now a museum, has a collection of religious art, paintings by Alberto Souza and traditional folk art and craft.

Also of interest is the small transport museum containing the first steam train in the north.

Stretching north from Braganca to the Spanish border is Montesinho Natural Park a wilderness where time has stood still and the lifestyle of the villagers remains virtually unchanged since medieval times.

The accommodation at the Pousada comprises 28 bedrooms all with private bathrooom, hair dryer, air conditioning/heating, Cable TV and satelite, telephone, minibar and Internet in 3 rooms and Wireless in all the others. Many rooms have a balcony and some are inter-connecting.

Facilites include lift, restaurant, bar, terrace and parking.

Dining in Portugal is usually very good. The restaurants of the Pousada group hotels offer a variety of dishes including a selection of local and regional specialities.

Pousada de Braganca also has a swimming pool and will be pleased to assist in organising some of the activities held in the area which include horseriding, shooting, fishing, four wheel driving, bicycle excursions, micro lighting, karting and picnics.

The international airport at Porto (Oporto) is approximately 214 kilometers from this Pousada of Portugal.