Igreja de Santa Cruz (Church of Holy Cross), Braga

The Church of Holy Cross was commissioned by Jerónimo Portilo, the founder of the Order of the Holy Cross, who was later granted the title of Royal Fellow by King João VI (1816-1826). Construction of the church commenced in 1625 and was only completed in 1737, resulting in a unique fusion of both Mannerist and Baroque architectural elements.

The church's façade bears distinctive features, most notably the architrave crowning the three main entrance doors, which displays thirteen instruments symbolizing Christ's passion, including the crown of thorns, the carnations, the whip, and the gall sponge, among others.

The church's exterior is marked by two bell towers flanking the façade, each incorporating clocks. These bell towers are renowned for their ornate decoration, attributed to the master bricklayer Francisco Álvares.

Upon entering the church, visitors are greeted by a spacious interior with side chapels, separated by arches and adorned with splendid carved altars. These altars house valuable relics of various saints, adding to the cultural and spiritual significance of the church.

The church's interior boasts intricately detailed stone vaults and high-quality craftsmanship, particularly in the organ and pulpits. Additionally, the church showcases remarkable gilded carvings completed in the 18th century, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Legend has it that there are three carved roosters on the church door, although only two are visible.