Episcopal Palace (Paço Arquiepiscopal de Braga), Braga
The Episcopal Palace (Paço Arquiepiscopal de Braga), in the historic center of Braga was the former residence of the archbishops of Braga.
The palace consists of three buildings, all connected, that date from different periods. Thus, each building has a different architectural style: Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.
The palace now contains a public library (the Biblioteca Pública de Braga), local archives and offices of the University of Minho.
History
Braga Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Portugal and one of the oldest cathedrals on the Iberian Peninsula.
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.
After the expulsion of the Muslims in 1071 a new cathedral was begun over what was once a mosque and possibly a Roman temple before that.
It was not until 1336 that construction began on the Episcopal Palace by Archbishop Dom Gonçalo Pereira.
Further wings to the building were added in the period from the 16th to 18th centuries. However, a fire in 1866 destroyed one of the wings. The ruined arches of the building can still be seen in the Garden of Santa Bárbara fronting the palace.
In 1911, the archbishop was expelled from the palace and the buildings were occupied by the military and the fire brigade. During the 1930's the buildings were once again remodelled for use as a public library and archive.
The fountain in the Garden of Santa Bárbara (Jardim de Santa Bárbara) is from the former Convento de los Remedios before it was demolished to construct the Teatro Circo in 1911.
Access
The Episcopal Palace is close to Braga Castle, City Hall, the beautiful Charafiz do Castelos in Largo do Paço and the Igreja Misericórdia.
Largo do Paço, 4704-553 Braga
Portugal
Tel: 253 601 180
Library Hours: Daily 9 am-12.30 pm; 2 pm-5.30 pm
Book Hotel Accommodation in Braga
Many of Braga's accommodation options are clustered close to the Sé (Braga Cathedral). 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
