Igreja da Misericordia de Braga (Braga's Compassion Church), Braga
The Compassion Church is a significant religious edifice with a history dating back to the 16th century. While it was originally constructed in 1562, it underwent substantial modifications in the 19th century.
Architecturally, the Compassion Church presents a relatively simple yet elegant facade, showcasing elements of Renaissance architecture. The side portal, in particular, stands out as a remarkable feature. At its apex, there is a depiction of the "Visitation," a scene that is attributed to the skilled artisans of the 16th-century Coimbra sculpture school.
Inside the church, visitors are greeted with a baroque carved altarpiece, a notable feature of the interior. The altarpiece is a masterpiece created by Marcelino de Araújo between 1734 and 1739. It includes a painted panel from 1735 by the artist José Lopes. While the altarpiece has religious themes, it also incorporates courtly characteristics, featuring depictions of several family members of D. João V, the Queen, and her children. Dominating the main altar is an image of Our Lady of Mercy, sculpted by José António Gonçalves in 1774.
Architecturally, the Compassion Church presents a relatively simple yet elegant facade, showcasing elements of Renaissance architecture. The side portal, in particular, stands out as a remarkable feature. At its apex, there is a depiction of the "Visitation," a scene that is attributed to the skilled artisans of the 16th-century Coimbra sculpture school.
Inside the church, visitors are greeted with a baroque carved altarpiece, a notable feature of the interior. The altarpiece is a masterpiece created by Marcelino de Araújo between 1734 and 1739. It includes a painted panel from 1735 by the artist José Lopes. While the altarpiece has religious themes, it also incorporates courtly characteristics, featuring depictions of several family members of D. João V, the Queen, and her children. Dominating the main altar is an image of Our Lady of Mercy, sculpted by José António Gonçalves in 1774.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Braga. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Igreja da Misericordia de Braga (Braga's Compassion Church) on Map
Sight Name: Igreja da Misericordia de Braga (Braga's Compassion Church)
Sight Location: Braga, Portugal (See walking tours in Braga)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Braga, Portugal (See walking tours in Braga)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Braga, Portugal
Create Your Own Walk in Braga
Creating your own self-guided walk in Braga is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Religious Sites Walking Tour
Braga is a prominent destination in Portugal's Religious Tourism segment, primarily due to its vibrant Holy Week celebrations and rich ecclesiastical architecture. Indeed, being one of the world's oldest Christian cities, Braga boasts an extensive religious legacy. Much like Rome, it seamlessly interweaves art and spirituality throughout its historic center.
Here, you will find a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Here, you will find a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Braga Introduction Walking Tour
The history of Braga, Portugal's religious capital, spans millennia. Located in the northern Minho region, this city is also one of the country's oldest, reportedly founded by Bracari Celts.
Braga's origin is closely associated with the Roman conquest in 136 BC, culminating in the establishment of Bracara Augusta in 16 BC, a pivotal location within the newly-formed Gallaecia... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Braga's origin is closely associated with the Roman conquest in 136 BC, culminating in the establishment of Bracara Augusta in 16 BC, a pivotal location within the newly-formed Gallaecia... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles