Visit to Braga Cathedral, Oldest Cathedral of Portugal
Braga is 55km north of Porto. From Porto, the plan was to drive to Guimaraes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. But Bom Jesus do Monte a pilgrimage site near Braga seemed so alluring that we planned a night halt at Braga. By the time we reached our hotel it was almost eight in the evening. That part of the town looked calm and there were hardly any people in the streets. Luckily we got a good restaurant and had local food there.
We gave up plans of discovering the city that night. It had already been a long day in Tomar with Monastery of Tomar in the morning, touring Coimbra at noon and evening at Porto. Both body and mind demanded a pause.
Braga Cathedral
This cathedral is a must visit not only for the spiritually minded travelers but also for architecture lovers and history buffs.
Facade of Braga Cathedral
The next day we explored the town for a while, again not much crowd. We were early I think. It is a short walk from the main plaza in the center of the city and there are other interesting buildings and shops all around. The cathedral hadn’t opened for the day yet, luckily some souvenir shops were open. The main site we spent time was at Braga’s Cathedral and the souvenirs shops around it. I found the souvenirs here cost the least compared to the other cities of Portugal.
History of Braga Cathedral
Braga was the capital Suebi Kingdom during 3rd century. It was a catholic kingdom till Moors conquered it 8th century. The city was back to Christian hands during 11th century. Braga cathedral is older than the nation itself. Bishop Pedro started to build a cathedral, consecrated it in 1089. The construction of Braga Cathedral spanned 2 centuries and was completed in middle of 13th century. So it has a touch of different architectural styles.
This is one of the most important and oldest buildings in Portugal. There is a popular saying : “As old as Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga)”.
Architecture and Interior of Cathedral
The interior is such a mix of styles. It is very much evident that the continuity in styles is missing. The original Romanesque style of architecture is almost gone except at nave. Of the 5 chapels only the main chapel is in Manueline style rest are in baroque.
Most interesting parts of Braga Cathedral are choir-stalls and organs in the elevated choir above the west entrance of the cathedral. The organ has intricate and has enormous amount of gilded work on it. You can see in picture below. It belongs to the baroque period. This is the first sight that caught my attention and I was completely mesmerized and kept gazing at it till my neck ached. Do pay close attention to the detail of the architecture here.
The painted ceiling and sculptured gilt wood work is one of its kinds in whole of Portugal I read later. It is placed in a symmetric manner on both sides of transept.
Museum inside Cathedral
The museum here has precious collection of jewels. For a small fee you can tour this treasury.
- Sculpture of Nossa Senhora do Leite (the Virgin breastfeeding the child) made by Nicolas Chanterene in the 16th century;
- Cross used in the first mass in Brazil in 1500
- Tombs of Henri of Burgundy and Dona Theresa who were parents of the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques.
- some of the best pieces of Ivory in the country
Tour of Cathedral Interior
After touring the treasury walk through the courtyard where excavations of roman and medieval artefacts have been found.
Move on to the chapels next where important people of Portugal rest in peace. There are three chapels. The first chapel has the remains of the mother and father of the first king of Portugal. It also has the mummified ArchBishop of Braga from the 16th century.
The 2nd chapel is an ornate baroque masterpiece. Incredibly beautiful, demands both time and attention! The 3rd chapel was under repair but notice the walls. They have cracks in them from the tremors that devastated Lisbon during earthquake of 1755. Imagine that the impact of the earthquake was felt so up north!
Tickets and Open Timings of Braga Cathedral
Open every day of the week from 8 in morning to 7 in evening.
Entrance tickets cost 5euros per person.
Travel Tips to Braga
- If you are staying in Braga plan a day’s outing to the country’s first capital nearby, the World Heritage city of Guimarães.
- Visit Bom Jesus do Monte a pilgrimage site near Braga.
- Porto, a city of monumental bridges is 55kms south of Braga.
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What a gorgeous cathedral. I definitely would love to check this in person when in Braga. Thanks for posting about it.
Another wonderful cathedral. As usual, this one too diid not disappoint. Awesome sculpuyures all over! Also good to note some interesting work on colourful glass.
Looks very intricate! I’ve been planning on visiting the country forever…
The Cathedral looks amazing. We would love to explore Portugal. Will keep this in our list. Wonderful post
Really nice content of the history behind the cathedral and some helpful tips. It looks beautiful! I always enjoy seeing different cathedrals they are all similar yet so different.
Cathedrals always seem to be good places to visit as a tourist. I really like the pictures of Braga Cathedral and the gold inside. Portugal has such stunning architecture and a rich history.
Such a splendid architecture 🙂 I haven’t been there, but definitely I will go 🙂 Brillant pictures!
Beautiful cathedral. That organ is stunning! I can’t believe how big and ornate it is. I bet you were tempted to play it! Must get to Portugal one day…
So gorgeous, hopefully one day I will be able to make my way to these places. Every photo makes it look like a photographers dream!
Lovely blog. I explored the Portuguese houses in Fontainhas in Goa last month. It made me want to visit Portugal.
Lovely Cathedral. Looks so peaceful and also the architecture is amazing. I loved the glass painting.
I love how you mix useful info like the 5 euro entrance fee with historical facts. Great photos too. This cathedral looks absolutely beautiful!
I can not even believe the ceiling of that building! So much detail and so intricate. Amazing!
For me churches and cathedrals are usually a good place to get a great view over the area. I usually never consider the interior of the churches. But as seen in your photos, the interior can really be filled with art pieces. 🙂
The cathedral sounds to be very ancient. Amazing interior and details to observe!
Love you exploration spirit! The result is the discoveries of awesome places like this cathedral. Everything there looks very intricate and pretty.
Such rich intricate ornate designs. I loved the shots taken by looking up. 🙂
The artistry is evident in the cathedrals in Europe in much the same way as it is in the temples and forts of India.
Looks gorgeous with magnificent work.
Pictures are vibrant and colorful. And also learnt a few things!
Seems like a really beautiful place with all the spectacular architecture! Very well written too.
I can understand why you could not take off your eyes…gorgeous interiors.
Beautiful!
How rich and ornate, different culture different time.
The architectures of cathedrals always amaze me. I have had the opportunity to visit a few myself!
Very enjoyable post!
Lovely pictures Indrani ji ! Such a beautiful architecture of the cathedral !
Brilliant pictures of the grand interior!
The high choir definitely is beautiful. Another beautiful site that has been got my travel itch stronger .
Wow! All photos you’ve taken are mesmerising. No words for this beautiful architecture.
Such intricate designs. I loved the little angels at the sides and the top of the altar.
Great! I love the pics
enjoyed ur post !
Gorgeous! The details are amazing.
Lovely pictures! Such a gorgeous architecture!
Beautiful…!!!
Its always very interesting to read your posts, come to know something new every time have a nice trip..
So right at 8 pm it surely gets deserted 🙂 awesome pics and an elaborate post 🙂
Hello, it is a lovely cathedral. Beautiful stained glass. It is great to try the local food. Sounds like an awesome place to visit. Have a happy new week ahead!