Episcopal Palace, Braga (must see)

The Episcopal Palace was once the residence of the archbishops of Braga, a position of great importance in the region's ecclesiastical hierarchy.

The origins of the Bishopric of Bracara date back to 388 when it was founded by Paternus, who became its first bishop. Officially, the archbishopric of Braga was established in 1071, with D. Pedro serving as its first archbishop. The political landscape in Braga evolved as well, with Count D. Henrique and Countess D. Teresa holding sway over the city between 1096 and 1112. In 1112, a significant letter was issued, donating the city to the archbishops and instituting an ecclesiastical fiefdom that would persist until the 18th century.

The Episcopal Palace comprises three distinct buildings, each representing different architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. These buildings are interconnected, resulting in an irregular and asymmetrical composition.

The medieval portion of the palace is associated with a rectangular garden patio that faces the Garden of Santa Bárbara. This section is characterized by its Gothic features. The 15th-century U-shaped wing connects to the medieval structure and is oriented toward the rectangular square known as Largo do Paço. The Baroque Wing, facing Largo do Município, represents the most formal and symmetrical section of the palace. It features a three-register structure with a recessed central body and lateral wings.

In 1911, the archbishop was expelled from the palace, leading to its occupation by the military and fire brigade. During the 1930s, the palace underwent renovations to transform it into a public library and archive. Today, it houses the Biblioteca Pública de Braga, local archives, and offices of the University of Minho.