Braga Cathedral

Braga Cathedral, known locally as Sé de Braga, stands as a testament to Portugal’s rich religious and architectural heritage. Nestled in the heart of Braga, one of the oldest cities in the country, this cathedral is not just a place of worship but a symbol of the city’s historical significance. Dating back to the 3rd century AD, the Diocese of Braga is one of the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula, making the cathedral a pivotal site for the Christianization of Northwestern Iberia.

The Historical Journey of Braga Cathedral

The origins of Braga Cathedral are steeped in legend and history. Tradition holds that Saint Peter of Rates, considered the first bishop of Braga, was appointed by Apostle Saint James the Great between 45 and 60 AD. Despite the turbulent times following the fall of the Roman Empire and the subsequent invasions by Germanic tribes, Braga maintained its religious significance. The city became the capital of the Suebi Kingdom from 409 to 584 AD, with Bishop Martin of Dumio converting the Suebi to Catholicism around 550 AD.

However, the arrival of the Moors in 716 AD led to the loss of Braga’s bishopric, only to be restored around 1071 AD after the city was reclaimed by Christians. Bishop Pedro initiated the construction of the cathedral, which was consecrated in 1089. The cathedral’s significance grew under the influence of Count Henry of Burgundy and Bishop Geraldo de Moissac, who succeeded in elevating Braga to an archbishopric in 1107.

An Architectural Marvel

Braga Cathedral’s architecture is a fascinating blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, Manueline, and Baroque styles, reflecting the various periods of its construction and renovation. The original 12th-century structure was built in the Burgundian Romanesque style, inspired by the monastery church of Cluny. Over the centuries, extensive modifications have transformed the cathedral into the eclectic masterpiece it is today.

The Western façade, although heavily modified, retains some of its original Romanesque elements, such as the intricately carved archivolts and capitals of the main portal. The late Gothic entrance gallery, added between 1486 and 1501, features ribbed vaulting and is adorned with statues and gargoyles. The Manueline metal gate, originally inside the cathedral, now graces the entrance gallery.

The main chapel of the apse, rebuilt in 1509 under Archbishop Diogo de Sousa, showcases beautiful late Gothic and Manueline tracery, complete with gargoyles and pinnacles. The exterior wall of the chapel features a striking early 16th-century statue of the Madonna breastfeeding Jesus, flanked by the coat of arms of Portugal and Bishop Diogo de Sousa.

Exploring the Interior

The interior of Braga Cathedral is equally captivating. The nave, with its three aisles covered by a wooden roof, remains predominantly Romanesque, thanks to a 20th-century restoration that removed most later additions. The high choir, added during the Baroque period, is a highlight with its painted ceiling and sculptured gilt wood choir stalls, crafted around 1737 by Miguel Francisco da Silva. The two gilt wood organs, carved by Marceliano de Araújo in the 1730s, are among the most impressive in Portugal.

The main chapel, with its stone rib vaulting, houses a 14th-century statue of the Virgin Mary (Nossa Senhora de Braga). The stone altar, commissioned by Archbishop Diogo de Sousa, features beautiful reliefs of Christ and the Apostles. The other chapels in the apse are adorned in Baroque or Neoclassical styles, with the Chapel of Saint Peter of Rates standing out for its blue-white tiles depicting the saint’s life, painted by António de Oliveira Bernardes.

Adjacent Chapels and Cloisters

Several chapels built adjacent to the cathedral during the Middle Ages add to its historical richness. The Chapel of the Kings (Capela dos Reis), built around 1374, originally housed the tombs of Count Henrique and Countess Theresa, parents of Portugal’s first king. The Gothic Chapel of the Glory (Capela da Glória), constructed between 1326 and 1348, features a magnificent tomb for Archbishop Gonçalo Pereira, adorned with life-size statues and intricate carvings.

Near the cloisters is the Chapel of Piety (Capela da Piedade), built by Archbishop Diogo de Sousa around 1513, where he is buried in a Renaissance tomb. While the 19th-century rebuilt cloisters are of little artistic interest, the Cathedral Museum within the grounds houses many fascinating items, including the magnificent Manueline chalice of Archbishop Diogo de Sousa, the 10th-century chalice of Saint Gerald, and an 11th-century Arab ivory box.

A Visit to Remember

Braga Cathedral is more than just a place of worship; it is a living museum of Portugal’s religious and architectural history. Each corner of the cathedral tells a story, from its legendary beginnings to its role in the Christianization of Iberia and its architectural evolution over the centuries. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to Braga Cathedral promises a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the soul of Portugal’s rich cultural heritage.