The Fuller Center Global Builders | Tadim, Braga, PORTUGAL

Having led three Global Builders teams to Romania, I decided to give the only other European outpost a try. I’d heard a lot about this particular project in Tadim, a six-unit apartment renovation, but also about many a volunteer’s love for the accommodations at Domus House. It’s a unique setup.

First, this is a lovely part of the world, and Portugal, to explore. You won’t be disappointed spending time in and around Porto, Braga and the Douro Valley. It’s spectacular and special.

Second, staying with your team at the Domus House, essentially a private compound run by The Fuller Center in Portugal, is much like renting a huge Airbnb, complete with an in-ground swimming pool, beautiful grounds, room for 16, with a full kitchen, and Sofia, who takes care of you, the house and prepares a couple of your meals. Lucky on those days especially; she’s a great cook. It’s an easy place to relax at the end of the workday and spend time together. And close to the jobsite. Love that.

Our team was able to meet one of the future homeowners. He and his family are now Portuguese citizens, but they are originally from Syria.

[PRO TIP: The area right about the build site in Tadim is fun to explore on foot. There is a coffee shop, Cafe Silva, across the street where I recommend a mid-day espresso for less than €2.]

Getting to Know Braga

The closest big city is Braga, where you’ll go for a guided walking tour and a couple nights for dinners out at restaurants. The best restaurant, by the way, is Retrokitchen. Definitely eat there.

Founded by Emperor Caesar Augusta in the 1st century BC, Bracara Augusta, as the city was originally named, was one of the most important Roman cities on the Iberian Peninsula.

My team’s visit happened to coincide with the annual Braga Romana celebration. During the 5-day festival, Braga’s historic city center turns back time to embody the founder’s Roman roots with historical reenactments, live performances, and street vendors selling everything from old world spirits to swords. A party for the young and old. It was a beautiful evening, which made our 1.5-hour tour even more enjoyable.

Arco da Porta Nova, entering Braga’s city center

Bom Jesus

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (Good Jesus of the Mount) is a Portuguese Catholic shrine and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tenões. It has been a Christian pilgrimage site for centuries. I recommend starting on the hilltop above the church; there is a small lake and park with tranquil walking paths.

[PRO TIP: It’s a great place to bird!]

From there make your way down to the church of Bom Jesus, then explore the monuments and the views outside, before heading to the top of the ornate baroque stairway. It’s divided into two sections, the Stairway of the Three Virtues and the Five Senses, which zigzag all the way down.

There are over 500 steps to the bottom, but pilgrim or not, if you take the challenge, on the way down you can enjoy the many fountains, statues and especially the 19 chapels dedicated to the life and Passion of the Christ.

[PRO TIP: I walked down the staircase and back up again so that I could enjoy the entire site, get a workout, and ride the Funicular built in 1882 and oldest in the world operated by water, back down. It runs both ways.]

Guimarães

Depending upon who you ask, Guimarães is known as the birthplace of Portugal, as it is the very same birthplace of its first King. Those hailing from rival city Braga, will not agree. The town has a well-preserved medieval center that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guimarães Castle and the Paço dos Duques de Bragança.

[PRO TIP: I highly recommend you have lunch at Casa Amarela. Perfection!]

The Castle of Guimarães, built under the orders of Mumadona Dias in the 10th century to defend the monastery from attacks by Moors and Norsemen and saw the first steps of the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques.

Paço dos Duques de Bragança, former residence of the first Dukes of Braganza, was built in the early 15^th century. Now a museum representing life in the 17^th and 18^th centuries, the furniture, tapestries, ceramics and weapons on display tell the story of Portugal’s colonial past.