Braga City Hall, Braga

Braga City Hall, gracing the Municipal Square, is among the many splendid 18th-century buildings that adorn Braga.

The illustrious architect André Soares, born in Braga in 1720, is credited with the design of Braga City Hall. Soares left an indelible mark on the city with several remarkable creations, including the stunning Mosteiro de Tibães, the iconic Arco Da Porta Nova, the elegant Palácio do Raio, and the captivating Igreja dos Congregados. His architectural talents extended beyond Braga, as evidenced by his design of the Church of Nosso Senhor dos Santos Passos in the nearby city of Guimarães.

Construction of Braga's City Hall commenced in 1754 under Soares' visionary guidance, but it was not completed until 1865, long after the architect's passing. The City Hall's façade bears the distinctive hallmarks of Soares' architectural style. Emphasizing the central section, it features a prominent "door-niche-pediment" flanked by sturdy pillars. Although the elements are treated with a more linear and voluptuous approach, Soares' unique architectural essence remains palpable in this splendid structure.