Description of the attraction
In the old part of Braga, there are many historical monuments from the Middle Ages that are worth seeing. The Church of São João do Souto falls into this category. The temple was founded in the XII century, but to this day, unfortunately, little has survived from the church. Its original appearance was completely changed due to the reconstructions that were carried out in the 16th, 18th and 19th centuries.
The church of São João do Souto is a typical example of the Gothic style in Portuguese architecture. The facade of the church is decorated with a sign on which the inscription is made: "On July 25, 1551, Francisco Sánchez, the great physician and philosopher of the Renaissance, was baptized in this temple." In the square where the church of São João do Souto is located, there is a monument to Francisco Sánchez.
The church is named after Saint John the Baptist (in Portuguese - São João). The holiday in honor of this saint can be called one of the most popular in Portugal. On the night of June 23-24, celebrations are held throughout the country every year. In Braga, which is considered the religious capital of Portugal, this holiday is given special significance. The first mention of this celebration dates back to the XIV century. The city is decorated with flowers, fairs are held, a procession is held along the street, led by the figures of Saints John, Peter and Anthony of Padua.
Next to the church is the old Coimbras Chapel, the two buildings are adjacent to each other. The Coimbras Chapel was built in the 16th century in the Manueline style under the leadership of the archbishop and famous politician of Braga of the 16th century Diego de Sousa. It used to be a closed church.
