Bom Jesus Spring, Braga, Portugal

## Overview Nestled within the grounds of the iconic Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, Portugal, the Bom Jesus Spring is a beloved public drinking fountain fed by a natural spring. Located just off the main sanctuary complex and into the surrounding forest, this fountain has long been a favorite stop for locals — particularly older residents who regularly fill their flasks with the cool, flowing water as they pass through on their daily walks. The Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its monumental Baroque stairway, ornamental gardens, and forested hillside overlooking the city of Braga. The sanctuary grounds have been a place of pilgrimage and public gathering for centuries, and the spring-fed fountains scattered throughout the estate are part of a long tradition of water veneration in the region. The specific fountain described here sits away from the more ornamental grotto fountains near the church, offering a quieter, more utilitarian source of spring water that has historically been used by visitors and locals alike as drinking water. The water flows constantly, year-round, and the fountain is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. ## Directions 1. **Start in Braga** and head southeast on the N103-3 road toward the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte. The sanctuary is approximately 3 miles (4.75 km) southeast of the city center. 2. Follow signs for **Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte** — the site is well-signposted from central Braga. 3. Once you arrive at the sanctuary grounds, **do not stop at the grotto fountain** near the main church and stairway — that is not the spring you're looking for. 4. Instead, walk across the bridge that leads away from the main sanctuary buildings and **toward the surrounding forest**. 5. You will find a **fountain with constant spring water flowing**. Look for locals, often older visitors, filling bottles and flasks — a reliable sign you've found the right spot. **GPS Coordinates:** 41.568985, -8.379603 ## What to Expect The Bom Jesus Spring fountain is a simple, functional water source set in the lush, shaded forest that surrounds the sanctuary. The water flows continuously from the fountain, and the setting is peaceful — a welcome contrast to the busier areas around the Baroque stairway and church. Visitors have reported that the water tastes clean and fresh, and it has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals who visit regularly. You'll likely see residents with reusable bottles filling up, which speaks to the spring's longstanding reputation in the community. The surrounding Bom Jesus park is a beautiful place to explore, with winding forest paths, ornamental gardens, grottoes, and panoramic views of Braga below. The sanctuary is accessible by car, by the famous hydraulic funicular (the oldest in the world, operating since 1882), or on foot via the iconic zigzagging stairway. The spring fountain itself is accessible year-round, day or night, and there is no fee to visit. Bring a reusable bottle if you'd like to sample the water, and take some time to enjoy the tranquil forest setting — it's one of the hidden gems of this remarkable UNESCO site.