Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga), Braga
Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga), in the historic center of Braga is the seat of the Archdiocese of Braga. The archbishop of Braga is the primate of all Portugal, somewhat equivalent to the archbishop of Canterbury in England.
Braga Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Portugal and one of the oldest cathedrals on the Iberian Peninsula.
The twin-towered building originally dates from the 11th century and is a mix of different architectural styles as renovation and rebuilding took place over the succeeding centuries.
History
The first Diocese of Braga dates back to the Roman period in the 3rd century AD. After the end of the Roman Empire, the invading Suevi tribes were converted to Christianity by Saint Martin of Braga in the 6th century. Martin was to become an early archbishop of Braga.
The importance of the diocese declined under the Visigoths and disappeared altogether with the arrival of the Moors. It was only in 1071 after the expulsion of the Muslims that a new cathedral was begun over what was once a mosque and possibly a Roman temple before that. Only the Romanesque main door and the Western façade, with its gargoyles and sculptured figures of the medieval legend of Raynard the Fox, survives from this period. The twin towers of cathedral were added later above this portal in the 18th century.
Braga Cathedral is now a mix of very different architectural styles incorporating Gothic, Manueline and Baroque features.
Parts of the exterior tracery (ornamental stone work and gargoyles) and interior ribbed vaulting of the main chapel in the apse are by João de Castilho, commissioned by Archbishop Diogo de Sousa in 1509. João de Castilho is best known for his work on the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Belém, Lisbon.
The interior of Braga Cathedral has three aisles and five chapels altogether in the apse (the eastern end of the church around the altar) done in a variety of styles. The altarpiece itself is Manueline as is the main chapel.
Of particular interest is the fanciful and extravagant gilt wood carving of the choir stalls and double organ done in the early 18th century, which can be seen above your head from the nave. You will need a separate ticket to visit these at close quarters (see below).
Coro Alto & Capela dos Reis
A separate ticket is required for a guided tour to visit the magnificent Coro Alto (High Choir) and the Capela dos Reis (King's Chapel) containing the stone tombs of Teresa of León and Henry of Burgundy, the parents of Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques. The mummified remains of an early archbishop, D. Lourenço Vicente, can also be seen here. The tour includes the 14th century Capela da Glória with the walls painted with Moorish-style geometric designs and containing the magnificent Renaissance carved stone tomb of Archbishop Gonçalo Pereira and the azulejo-lined Capela de São Geraldo.
Tesouro - Museu de Sé
The tour ends in the cathedral's treasury containing a varied and rich collection of clerical vestments, ceramics, chalices, goblets, paintings, rings and documents built up over the centuries. These include the iron cross used to celebrate the first Mass in Brazil in 1500 when a small fleet, under the command of Pedro Álvares Cabral, made landfall there.
Access
Braga Cathedral is a short walk from Braga Station through the Arco da Porta Nova and along Rua de Diogo de Sousa. The cathedral will be on your right. The former Bishop's Palace, near Braga Castle, is now the public library and archive.
Sé de Braga
Rua Dom Paio Mendes
Rossio da Sé
4700-424 Braga
Tel: 253 263 317
Hours: Daily 9.30 am-12.30 pm; 2.30 pm-5.30 pm (6.30 pm in summer).
Admission: Free to visit the nave but a small fee to see the Treasury and Capela dos Reis.
Book Hotel Accommodation in Braga
Many of Braga's accommodation options are clustered close to the Sé. Recommendations include the Basic Braga by Axis near Braga Station, the budget, two star Hotel Dos Terceiros, the Hotel Dona Sofia and the Urban Hotel Estação, also close to the station.
There are several hotels close to Bom Jesus if you wish to stay outside the city such as the Hotel do Elevador, Hotel do Parque, the Hotel do Largo and Hotel do Templo.
See here for a full listing of hotels in Braga.
Hotels in Portugal - Booking.com
