Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (Paço dos Duques de Bragança), Guimarães
The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (Paço dos Duques de Bragança) in Guimarães is usually visited along with nearby Guimarães Castle in this lovely UNESCO World Heritage city.
History
The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza was constructed on the orders of Afonso de Barcelos, an illegitimate son of King João I, in the early 15th century from about 1420.
Afonso was later to become the first Duke of Braganza. Afonso's successors resided here until they moved to the much grander and larger Ducal Palace in Vila Viçosa near Elvas and Estremoz from the early 16th century onwards.
The design of the Paço dos Duques de Bragança was based on French manor houses of the period.
Between the 16th and 19th centuries the palace fell into semi-ruin and many of its building stones were taken away to be used for other purposes.
During the Estado Novo period under Salazar, a reconstruction by the architect Rogério de Azevedo was completed between 1937 and 1959 which conferred a grandeur on the property which it probably never possessed. Indeed, it is believed the original building was not complete when the Duke decamped to Vila Viçosa.
Architecture
The ground floor contained the kitchen and store rooms and was mainly used by the servants. The first floor held the rooms of the Duke and Duchess and the chapel.
The building is structured around a central rectangular courtyard with six tall chimneys. Much of the stone used is granite. The first floor has a covered balcony running along the inside of the building.
The second (highest) floor is now used for temporary exhibitions.
After the renovations during the Estado Novo period, the house became an official residence of the President of the Republic.
The interior contains collections of furniture, carpets and copies of the Pastrana tapestries, attributed to the 15th century painter Nuno Gonçalves, the creator of the panels at São Vincente de Fora in Lisbon. These depict the Portuguese invasion of North Africa.
Some of the furniture on display (writing tables and chests of drawers) was made in Portugal's colonies in India, China and the Far East during the Age of Discoveries. There are also Flemish and French tapestries, ceramics acquired by the Portuguese East India Company in China and various weapons and armour.
Access
Paço dos Duques de Bragança
Rua Conde D. Henrique
4810-245 Guimarães
Tel: 253 412 273
Admission: 5 Euros with concessions for students and people over 65 years of age; the Paço dos Duques de Bragança can also be entered using the Guimarães Pass (15 Euros or 18 Euros with the Teleférico). A combined ticket with entry to the castle can also be purchased. Admission is free on Sundays.
Hours: 10 am - 6 pm daily; closed January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1 and December 25.
Nearby
Close to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza are the Church of São Miguel do Castelo and Guimarães Castle. Also within a short walk are the Convento do Carmo and the Convento de Santo António dos Capuchos.
A recommended eatery close by is Cor de Tangerina (Tel: 253 542 009) which has excellent vegetarian food that can be served al fresco on a terrace with views up to the castle. There is also a large restaurant/cafe Cafetaria Conquistador on Rua Conde Dom Henrique open during the day.
Hotels close to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and Guimarães Castle include the four star Santa Luzia ArtHotel and the Hotel da Oliveira, also four star.
