Description of the attraction
Braga Cathedral is one of the most significant architectural monuments in the city. Due to its history and artistic expression, the cathedral is also one of the most magnificent structures in the country.
The construction of the cathedral was started by Bishop Pedro in 1071. In 1089, the construction of the eastern chapels was completed. After a break, due to the religious situation in the country, the construction of the cathedral was resumed, and lasted until the middle of the 13th century.
The original building of the cathedral was made in the Burgundian Romanesque style. Later, new chapels were added to the cathedral, a pre-temple in the Gothic style, and today the cathedral is a combination of the Romanesque, Gothic, as well as the Baroque and Manueline styles.
Inside, the cathedral is divided into three naves, a transept and an apse with five chapels. There are two old organs above the central nave. The main chapel of the apse, which was restored in 1509 by Archbishop Diogo de Sousa according to the project of the architect Juan de Castilla, stands out.
The facade is made in the Gothic style, the outer wall of the main chapel is decorated with a sculpture of the Madonna feeding the Child, from the 16th century, which is located between the coat of arms of Portugal and the coat of arms of Bishop Diogo de Sousa. Some chapels were completed in the 14th century, such as the Royal Chapel, where the parents of the first king of Portugal, Henry of Burgundy and Teresa of León, are buried, and the Chapel of Glory, where the grave of Archbishop Gonzalo Pereira is located, guarded by six stone lions.
