Bom Jesus do Monte

Photographer

Cica Friedman

Category

Europe Photography - Portugal Photography

Company

Submission Group

Professional

Year

2026

Country / Region:

United States

Bom Jesus do Monte is located on Mount Espinho overlooking the city of Braga, Portugal. Known for its impressive, zigzagging staircase consisting of 583 steps that climb upwards of 116 meters representing the Passion of Christ . The first stairway was dedicated to the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross). The next segment of the stairway is dedicated to the Five Senses. Each sense is exhibited by a different fountain. At the end of this stairway, a Baroque church was built around 1725. Later, the third segment of stairways was added. They represent Faith, Hope and Charity, each with its own fountain. This entire sanctuary recalls Christian Jerusalem, recreating a sacred mount crowned with a church.