Museu dos Biscainhos (Biscainhos Museum), Braga

The Biscainhos Museum offers a captivating journey into the past within the splendid setting of a 17th-century residential palace. The palace itself stands as a stunning example of civil Baroque architecture, impeccably preserving the original state of the various buildings and providing a tangible connection to the past. As visitors step inside, they are greeted by an extensive exhibition showcasing art from the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection is primarily comprised of private donations, featuring an exquisite array of Baroque furniture, ceramics, Chinese porcelain, European glasswork, silverware, textiles, as well as Portuguese and European paintings.

Exploring the palace is a visual feast, with its polychrome, chestnut-panelled ceilings and 18th-century azulejos (tiles) that depict captivating hunting scenes. The ground floor, paved with deeply ribbed flagstones, harks back to a time when carriages would have clattered through en route to the stables.

Beyond the palace, the museum boasts gorgeously landscaped gardens that are a testament to the refined tastes of the 18th century, inspired by French styles of the era. These gardens are among the best-preserved and most complete examples of the Baroque period, offering a tranquil and picturesque outdoor space that complements the grandeur of the palace.