| BRAGA |
The ancient city of Braga has always been an important centre
for culture, commerce and religion. The Romans dedicated it
to their Emperor and called it Bracara Augusta, making it their
Galician head-quarters in 216 BC. Following a succession of
destructive invasions, the city was rebuilt by Bishop Pedro
(1070-1093), who established it as one of the most important
religious centres in the Iberian peninsular. In the 12th century,
it became the seat of Portugal's archbishops, and the country's
religious capital.
What to see: Braga's Sé cathedral was begun in
the 12th century, making it the oldest in Portugal. Outstanding
features include a chapel housing the 15th century tomb of King
João I's first son, Dom Afonso, who died in childhood.
The cathedral also houses the city's Sacred Art Museum, which
contains a rich collection of ecclesiastical treasures, statues,
carvings and rare azulejo glazed tiles. Near the cathedral
is the former archbishops' palace, which dates back to the 14th
century. The are several more religious buildings to see, including
the 16th century Church of the Misericórdia, with its
Baroque wood carvings on the main alter, and Church of São
Vicente, which was founded in the 7th century and rebuilt in
1691.
To the west of the city centre is the Biscainhos Palace, an
aristocratic mansion originally built in the 16th century and
now home to the Ethnography and Arts Museum.
Nearby: The chapel of São Frutuoso de Montélios,
located 3.5 km from Braga, is one of the few remaining examples
of pre-Romanesque architecture to be found in Portugal. Built
in the 7th century, it was destroyed by the Moors and rebuilt
four centuries later. 4 km west of the city stands Tibães
Monastery, a magnificent Baroque building set amidst wooded
gardens and orchards.
Visitors shouldn't miss the religious sanctuary of Bom Jesus
do Monte, located high on a forested slope 6 km east of Braga.
At the top of a great pilgrims' stairway stands an impressive
church, from where visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the
surrounding countryside. The shrine also boasts a splendid baroque
staircase that climbs up a wooded hillside in a series of terraced
zigzags. |
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| © 2007 Maisturismo |
