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City Edified Heritage

 

On the Rossio da Sé, stands Braga’s Cathedral or Sé: the MN classification includes the tombs of the Count D. Henrique and D. Teresa, of the Soldier D. Afonso and of the archbishops D. Gonçalo Pereira and D. Diogo de Sousa. This temple of medieval origin underwent many modifications over time; the Sé de Braga Museum; and the Evocative Monument of the Archbishops, erected in 2001. On N. Sra. do Leite Street the Paivas or Roda House is situated: IIP, this 16th century building was Braga’s last “Casa da Roda” (a place where abandoned children were left), functioning until 1897. On S. Paulo Square, the most representative monuments are the S. Paulo Seminary Church (Colégio Church): 16th century jesuit style, the pureness of the façade is noteworthy, as in opposition to the baroque exuberance of its interior, with magnificent carved altars; the N. Sra. da Torre Oratory (Santiago Tower): annexed to the medieval fortress’ south door, its transformation into oratory is a result of the devotion of Braga’s people to Nossa Senhora da Torre, who saved the city from the devastation provoked by the great earthquake of 1755. Close by,on Santiago Square, is the Domus de Santiago – Pio XII Museum: remains of a habitation inserted into the rich area of Bracara Augusta. This Peristyle (colonnade that surrounds the interior patio) is situated inside this Museum of archaeological domain. Santa Cruz Church: a construction initiated in 1628 and concluded in 1757 (façade), it constitutes one of Braga’s most interesting and beautiful examples of religious baroque architecture and S. Marcos Old Hospital Church: the IIP classification refers to the hospital’s main façade and to the church (neoclassical style, was designed by Carlos Amarante in the late 18th century). From the primitive 16th century building, only the cloister, both are located on Carlos Amarante Square. On S. Lázaro and Raio Streets, the Raio Palace stands out: the IIP classification refers to the façade and staircase. It was built in 1754 by André Soares and is one of the most representative models of baroque; the Ídolo Fountain: MN, rupestrian sanctuary from the roman era, it is one of the most important of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula, and the only roman Bracara Augusta monument that Braga knows today. The Liberdade Avenue is next, with the Theatro Circo and the Buildings Located on the Liberdade Avenue’s Extreme East Side: brings together the city’s most notable set of civil urban building façades, from the early 20th century, harmoniously interrelated with a glimpse of new art.

On the Combatentes Avenue stands the Congregados Church and Convent: IIP, the convent dates back to 1687, the magnificent design of the church’s façade, from 1761, is attributed to André Soares, and according to the specialist Robert Smith, it is "the artist’s most emotional piece of work"; the Rolão House: IIP, André Soares project, where the rocaille façade’s beauty and harmony stand out and the Monument to the Pope: evocative monument to his sanctity Pope John Paul II, erected in 1987, a reference to it’s visit to Braga in May 1982.Central Avenue it is possible to see the “Recolhimento de Santa Maria Madalena” or of the “Convertidas” a religious order: IIP and the Nogueira da Silva Museum; the República Square: occupied since the 16th century and transformed in the middle of the 19th century into the city’s central point, due to the creation of a public garden and of the Cybernetic Fountain. Close by, on São Francisco Square, stands the Menagem Tower: MN, the only part left of Braga’s Old Castle that included a magnificent small medieval city and the Terceiros Church. The Conde de Agrolongo Square, or “Vinha Square”, designation that dates back to the 14th century, underwent, in 1997, a profound process of urban recuperation and was transformed into a space for the exclusive use and enjoyment of people. The Santa Bárbara Garden, on Justino Cruz Street, is the city’s public garden and a true display of the art of gardening. Its name comes from the elegant statue that crowns the fountain found in the middle of the garden. The Souto Street is situated in the heart of the city of Braga – Capital of Commerce. On São Marcos Street, the Crivos House (Casa das Gelosias – “House of the Sun Shades”, actual Cultural Space belonging to Braga’s City Hall): unique model of a particular style of civil urban architectonics, typical and dominant in Braga during the 17th and 18th centuries, a reflection of the existing period of fervent religiousness, due to the sun shades that covered doors and windows. The Casa dos Coimbras is next (on Santa Cruz Square): from the primitive 16th century house, today all that is left are some manueline style windows that survived the 1906 demolition. The actual building was built halfway through the past century.Close by, on São João do Souto Square, the N. Sra. da Conceição Chapel (Coimbras House): MN, probably of romanesque origin, the chapel of gothic features that is known today, dates back to 1525; the Roman Ruins (in the building occupied by the “Frigideiras do Cantinho”): traces of a habitation structure from the roman period, where it is possible to observe a set of rooms, displayed along a main corridor and the Passadiço House: its peculiar name comes from the public passageway (“Passadiço”) that existed inside the house’s property. The 18th century façade displays admirable and original stonework, visible on the window openings’ decorations. On S. João Street. The Paço Square, limited by the southern part of the Bishop’s Residence (IIP, it currently houses the Public Library, the District Archive and the University of Minho’s Services) and by Souto Street, is one of the city’s most enchanting corners. Placed in the centre is the Castelos Fountain that was ordered built by Archbishop D. Rodrigo de Moura Teles in 1723, and is one of Braga’s prettiest and well known fountains. The Misericórdia Church, on D. Diogo de Sousa Street is IIP; a 16th century building, whose interior is striking due to the nave’s painted wood covering, the altar piece and the sacristy. The Município Square (of great historical-architectonic interest) houses the Episcopal Residence: IIP, the actual building was rebuilt in 1930 on the site of the old Episcopal Residence, demolished in 1871; Braga’s City Hall: an André Soares work, initiated in 1754 and concluded in 1865; and the Pelicano Fountain: of clear baroque characteristics, it is a wonderful example of Braga’s Monumental Fountains. Going back through the Conde de Agrolongo Square, where the Old Salvador Convent Chapel is situated: IIP, small 17th century temple, where the tiles, the painted ceiling, the chancel and the 18th century pulpit stand out; the Macieis Aranha Manor House: IIP, emblazoned 18th century house, two other 18th century houses are annexed to it, which confer harmony to the entire set; and the Pópulo Church and Convent: IIP, the original 17th century temple was rebuilt during the 18th century, when the Convent was added. The Biscainhos Palace on the street with the same name, is an urban 17th century building that received profound baroque influences during the 18th century. Soon afterwards the, Campo das Hortas Fountain: erected on the Sant’Ana Square during the late 16th or early 17th century, it was later dismantled and placed on this site; the Casa Grande das Hortas: IIP, armorial building, dates back to late 18th century and the Porta Nova Arch: MN, the actual arch dates from 1772/73 and marks the place where one of the doors of the old fortress, opened in 1512, was located. Also on the Porta Nova Square, the Museum of Image. The Praça Velha Street is next. Its origin dates back to the 16th century, and in 1998 it underwent a profound urban renovation. The diverse and interesting houses that restrict it and the proximity with the Porta Nova Arch confer an original and intimate historical-architectonic ambience that can be enjoyed thanks to the existing restaurants and esplanades. The Carvalheiras Stone Cross: MN, on the Square with the same name, is a 17th century model; also worth of attention is the Casa Pimentel: IIP. At last, the D. Paio Mendes Street maintains its primitive medieval trace, exhibiting a historical collection of edified buildings that characterize an era and where various remodelled houses stand out. Worth of attention is the Roman thermae “Termas Romanas do Alto da Cividade” (at Rua Dr. Rocha Peixoto).

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