City of Bragança, Northern Portugal

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Bragança City


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Municipality I City of Bragança I Accommodation

The origins of the town of Bragança go back to a series of fortified structures that were changed in the time of King Dom Afonso I into a proper walled citadel by his brother-in-law Fernão Mendes . Completed around 1130 the place was named "Brigantia" and within its walls in 1187 Dom Sancho I built the castle that still remains. This town also gave its name to the last of the Portuguese royal lineage, the House of Bragança that descended from the illegitimate son of Dom João I who was created a Duke in 1442. The tower of the castle was to become a place of imprisonment or refuge for many historic personages including Dona Sancho , the unfortunate wife of its constructor.

Sightseeing

Castle, Walls & Keep
The citadel of the old Brigantia was rebuilt in the 12th century. In the center of the castle's four cylindrical towers, rises the keep (Torre de Menagem). The walls include 15 cubels and three gates, and are crowned by a patrol path. The castles Domus Municipalis is a unique example of civic Romanesque Architecture in Portugal.

Domus Municipalis
It is believed that this curious building of pentagonal shape dates from the 12th century, in which case it could have served as city hall. Other authors say that its origins could date back to the Roman occupation, or even before, making it a vestige of the Greek domination, but this could not be proved.
St. Benedict Church
It belonged to the ancient Convent of St. Benedict, founded in the 16th century. It is worth admiring the rich gilded wood-work of the Mudejar ceiling in the main chapel, dating from the 17th century.

Santa Maria Church
An 18th-century temple, situated within the walls. The entrance portal and the niches on the sides are predominantly Baroque.
Se Cathedral
The Sé Cathedral of Bragança dates from the 16th century, founded by Duke D. Teodósio. For a long period it was occupied by the Jesuit priests. After the expulsion of the Jesuits, the Sé reverted to the crown and later it was donated to the bishop of Miranda.
Santa Clara Convent
Adjacent to the 12th-century Domus Municipalis, the church of Santa Maria (18th century) features an elaborately carved portal..
S. António Chapel
S. Francisco Church

Abbot of Baçal Museum
Its garden contains archaeological remains dating back to the Iron Age, and its two floors exhibit Trás-os-Montes furniture, tools, tools, ancient coins, Indo-Portuguese furniture, and paintings. The abbott of Baçal was a diminitive scholar who recorded in many volumes the history and customs of the region.
Military Museum
The citadel's Keep houses the town's military museum and memorabiliar from the Spanish and Napoleonic wars, during which Bragança was occupied.


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Bragança City
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