Braga

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Braga spans more than two millennia, making it one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. Originally, these lands were inhabited by the Celtic tribe of the Bracari. The official founding of the city by the Romans dates back to approximately 16 BC. At that time, the settlement was named Bracara Augusta in honor of Emperor Augustus.

Key Development Factors

The rapid development of Braga during the ancient period was due to a combination of strategic and administrative advantages:

• Geography and Logistics: The city became a vital transport hub where five strategic Roman roads (Via Romana) converged, linking the north of the peninsula with the rest of the empire.
• Political Status: Braga quickly attained the status of a judicial district capital (Conventus Bracarensis), and later, under Emperor Diocletian, it became the capital of the vast province of Gallaecia.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first centuries AD, Braga flourished as a typical Roman metropolis. Active trade in ceramics, glass, and metals took place here. The city was characterized by a high level of urbanization: public baths, an amphitheater, and temples were erected, laying the foundation for the region's rich architectural heritage.

Antiquity and the Middle Ages

• Around 16 BC — Romans found the city of Bracara Augusta, which becomes the administrative center of the vast Gallaecia region.
• 411 AD — Braga is proclaimed the capital of the Kingdom of the Suebi, becoming the political center of the first Christian state on the Iberian Peninsula.
• 585 AD — The city passes under Visigoth rule, while maintaining its high religious significance.
• 716 AD — The period of Moorish rule begins, lasting until the final liberation of the city by Christians.
• 1089 AD — Bishop Pedro consecrates the Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga), which is recognized today as the oldest cathedral in Portugal.

Era of Prosperity and Baroque

• 1112 AD — The Archbishops of Braga receive significant powers, establishing the city's status as the religious capital of the region.
• 1505 AD — Archbishop Diogo de Sousa initiates a large-scale reconstruction, transforming the medieval settlement into a modern Renaissance city with new squares and streets.
• 1722 AD — Construction begins on the famous Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, which became a masterpiece of European Baroque.
• 18th Century — Thanks to architect André Soares, numerous palaces and churches appear in the city, forming Braga's unique architectural identity.

Modern History

• 1809 AD — The city is at the center of events during the Napoleonic period, experiencing the Battle of Braga.
• 1834 AD — Following religious reforms and the nationalization of church property, the city begins to develop secular infrastructure and industry.
• 1973 AD — The founding of the University of Minho gives Braga the status of an important educational and scientific center in the country.
• 2019 AD — The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is officially included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Stages of Urban and Economic Transformation

Braga's development was shaped not only by political events but also by powerful urban and cultural reforms that changed the city's appearance and way of life.

• Urban Reform of Diogo de Sousa (16th Century)

  Archbishop Diogo de Sousa initiated a redesign that went beyond the medieval walls. He created new squares, widened streets, and built public buildings.
  Significance: Transforming a closed medieval settlement into a modern Renaissance city, improving sanitation and trade logistics.

• Baroque Architectural Boom (18th Century)

  Thanks to the influx of wealth (including Brazilian gold) and the work of architect André Soares, the city acquired its current magnificent look. Monumental churches, palaces, and fountains were erected.
  Significance: Defining Braga's unique visual identity as the "Portuguese Rome," which laid the foundation for future cultural tourism.

• Development of the Railway (1875)

  The opening of the railway line connecting Braga to Porto served as a catalyst for economic change.
  Significance: Integrating the city into the national trade network, accelerating industrialization, and increasing exports of local products (textiles, footwear, metalworking).

• Establishment of the University of Minho (1973)

  The opening of a major public university fundamentally changed the city's demographics and atmosphere.
  Significance: Braga earned the status of "Portugal's youngest city." The influx of students stimulated the housing market and service sector, creating a pool of qualified professionals.

• Rise of the Technology Cluster (21st Century)

  The opening of the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) and the launch of the Startup Braga project.
  Significance: A transition from traditional industry and religious traditions to a knowledge-based economy. The city has become one of the country's main hubs for IT and innovation.

Roman Foundations and the Middle Ages

The architectural backbone of Braga was formed at the crossroads of ancient Roman roads. While only ruins (baths, house foundations) remain of the ancient city of Bracara Augusta, the medieval era left a more visible mark that defined the city's religious character.

• Romanesque and Gothic: The dominant landmark of this period is the Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga). It is a complex architectural ensemble combining a Romanesque core (11th century) with a Gothic porch and Manueline elements.
• Defensive Architecture: From the medieval fortress walls, the Torre de Menagem (Keep Tower) has been preserved—the main tower of the castle, serving as a reminder of the times when the city required protection.

Renaissance: Expanding Beyond the City Walls

In the 16th century, under the leadership of Archbishop Diogo de Sousa, the city underwent an urban planning revolution. Braga moved away from its cramped medieval layout, beginning to expand beyond the fortress walls.

• Renaissance and Mannerism: Wide squares and public buildings with arcades appeared. A striking example of the transition from Gothic to Renaissance is the Coimbras Chapel (Capela dos Coimbras) with its characteristic tower and portico.

Baroque: The "Portuguese Rome"

It was the 18th century that gave Braga its recognizable, opulent appearance. Thanks to the work of architect André Soares, the city became the capital of Portuguese Baroque and Rococo. This period is characterized by dramatic forms, an abundance of granite carving, and the use of azulejo tiles.

• Baroque and Rococo:
  • Raio Palace (Palácio do Raio): A masterpiece of civil architecture with a facade decorated with blue tiles and ornate granite window frames.
  • Arco da Porta Nova: A triumphal arch symbolizing the city's openness (it never had actual gates).
  • Congregados Basilica (Basílica dos Congregados): A monumental church that completes the perspective of the central avenue.
• Landscape Baroque: Outside the city, the unique ensemble of Bom Jesus do Monte was formed, with its famous zigzag staircase where architecture merges with nature and the symbolism of the Stations of the Cross.

Eclecticism and Modernity

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city continued to evolve, integrating new styles, and in the 21st century, it made its mark with bold, world-class projects.

• Neoclassicism and Eclecticism: At the beginning of the 20th century, the Theatro Circo was built, becoming the center of cultural life.
• Modern Architecture: The most significant landmark of modern times is the Braga Municipal Stadium (Estádio Municipal de Braga), designed by Pritzker Prize winner Eduardo Souto de Moura. The stadium, literally carved into the rock of a former granite quarry, is considered a masterpiece of engineering and architectural thought.

Historical Figures and Spiritual Leaders

• Paulo Orósio (Orosius) (c. 375 – 418 AD)
  Historian and Theologian
  A native of Roman Bracara, he became one of the key figures in the intellectual life of Late Antiquity. He was a student of Saint Augustine. His fundamental work, "History Against the Pagans," had a massive influence on medieval European historiography.
• Saint Martin of Braga (Martinho de Dume) (c. 520 – 580 AD)
  Bishop and Educator
  Known as the "Apostle of the Suebi." He played a decisive role in the Christianization of the Suebic Kingdom and in strengthening Braga's status as a religious center. He founded the monastery in Dume and reformed the church life of the region.

Architects and City Reformers

• Diogo de Sousa (1461 – 1532)
  Archbishop and Urban Planner
  Considered the "second founder" of the city. It was he who initiated the reconstruction of Braga in the Renaissance spirit: widening streets, creating new squares outside the fortress walls, and founding a school, transforming the medieval settlement into a modern city.
• André Soares (1720 – 1769)
  Architect and Sculptor
  A genius of Portuguese Rococo, whose works defined the architectural face of 18th-century Braga. He designed the Raio Palace (Palácio do Raio), the Arco da Porta Nova, and many altarpieces distinguished by their exquisite granite workmanship.

Figures of Science and Culture

• Francisco Sanches (1550 – 1623)
  Philosopher and Physician
  An outstanding Renaissance thinker baptized in Braga. He is considered one of the fathers of philosophical skepticism and a precursor to the modern scientific method. His contribution to medicine and philosophy is commemorated with a monument in the city center.
• Maria Ondina Braga (1932 – 2003)
  Writer and Translator
  A classic of 20th-century Portuguese literature. She was born and died in Braga. Her work, permeated with themes of travel and loneliness, often returns to images of her hometown, preserving its atmosphere within the pages of her books.