Braganca History Portugal

Braganca is the capital of the Tras-os-Montes region, one of the least explored areas in the country. As a capital demands, Braganca is majestic with its medieval citadel on top of a hill still contained within near perfect walls. The citadel is all the more striking by its isolated location in this mountainous area. It is a magnificent symbol of the defiance and freedom of the Portuguese people.

Braganca was first established by the Celts and the Romans later fortified it. The town has had an important role in Portugal's history since the 15th century. In 1441 Dom Joao I established the duchy of Braganca in order to keep direct control on the region. At this time the newly established duchy were the constant reminders to the potential Spanish invaders that this was Portuguese land. The House of Braganca soon became one of the wealthiest and most powerful families. After 60 years of Spanish rule, in 1640 the eighth Duke of Braganca reluctantly took the Portuguese throne as Joao IV.

Eventually the Dukes moved their powerbase to Guimaraes where they took up residence in the Paco dos Duques de Braganca. The standing of Braganca has always been high within Portugal due to its role in the country's history.

The regions harsh climate and isolation due to poor infrastructure ended in the 1990s when the E82/IP4 motorway opened up access making it a feasible tourist location. This is an excellent base for exploring the Monteshino Natural Park, which stretches up to the Spanish border.

Braganca Castle and Citadel

The 13th century citadel is the most impressive part of the town. This is incredibly well preserved and people still live within the narrow lanes, unspoilt despite the handicraft shops and cafes that have taken over some of the buildings. Within the blue schist walls is the castle of King Sancho I, built in 1187 with an assortment of watchtowers, dungeons and the impressive thirty three metre high keep.

At the centre of the citadel is the 13th century Domus Municipalis. This is the country's only surviving example of Romanesque civic architecture. There is no other in Europe that has the pentagonal form that the Braganca council chambers have. This has recently been restored and is open to the public Fri-Weds 9 am-4.45 pm, admission is free. Right next door is the Santa Maria Church with its elaborately carved granite portal and 18th century barrel-vaulted painted ceiling, characteristic of several Bragancan churches. Open Daily 9.30 am-6.30 pm.

One of the most photographed views of the citadela is of the keep, Torre de Menagem. This was one of the first buildings to be restored in 1928 by the Society of National Monuments. The keep now houses a military museum and you can get good views from the top. Open Mon-Wed and Fri-Sun 9-11.45 am and 2-4.45 pm. Free Sunday mornings.

Don't miss the porca, a carved prehistoric granite pig, at the side of the keep with a huge pelourinho sticking out of his back. These are something of a theme of the area with three in the town's museum and the most famous example in Murca between Vila Real and Mirandela. They are thought to be fertility idols of a prehistoric cult that once roamed the Tras-os-Montes area.

Braganca Town

Outside the citadel walls are several other churches including Igreja Sao Bento on Rua Sao Francisco built in 1590 - a simple Renaissance building with three contrasting ceilings. Nearby is the 13th century Igreja de So Vicente, where the secret wedding of Ins de Castro and King Pedro I is said to have taken place. The town centre is the square in front of the cathedral, Praca de Se. From here roads run off to the citadel, Spain and Portugal.

In Braganca town is the highbrow Museu do Abade de Bacal on Rua Conselheiro Abilio Beca, no 27, 5301-903 Bragana. Tel: 351 273 33 15 95 / 273 33 28 02. Fax: 351 273 32 32 42. Email: mabacal@ipmuseus.pt. Open: Tues-Fri 10 am-5 p.m. Sat-Sun 10 am-6 pm. Closed on Mondays. Housed in the former Bishop's Palace, it is named after the scholar who carried out extensive research in to the region's history and customs including its jewish connections. The museum's exhibits include an unsigned 16th century painting called The Martyrdom of St Ignatius and collections of ancient pottery, tools and jewellery and, in the gardens, the famous porcas or berroes and a collection of Celtic inspired medieval tombstones.

The old train station is now the bus station at the top of Avenida Joao da Cruz. Buses run to Mirandela, Vila Real, Vinhais, Miranda do Douro and southern Tras-os-Montes, Parking is easiest by the bus stations and up in the citadel itself. The Tourist Information office is on Avenida Cidade de Zamora. Tel: 351 273 331 595. Open Mon-Fri 9 am-12.20 pm and 2-5 pm; Sat 10 am-12.30 pm.

Pensoes and hotels are scattered throughout the town. Rural accommodation is popular once you head out to the sticks. Braganca has a good range of restaurants offering good value food and most of the cafes line Avenida Joao da Cruz. The town market is open daily although it is a little way out from the town centre itself.

Montesinho Natural Park

Braganca is a good base for those wanting to explore the Montesinho Natural Park. The 70,000 hectare Park is one of the wildest regions in Europe that has meant a range of rare species are still able to survive here including wolves, wild boars, otters and eagles. The mountains here are covered in heather with the lower lying areas cloaked in oak forests and grassland through which several rivers flow through mountain valleys.

The area has changed very little since medieval times and ancient villages are dotted throughout the Natural Park such as Frana and Montesinho, whose traditional stone houses and cobbled streets are typical the region. Many of the paths date from the Visigothic empire and some of the villages such as Fresulfe and Sernande still bear distinctly Germanic names). The total population of the area is around 9,000 people scattered around small traditional villages.

The office for the Parque Natural de Montesinho is also in Braganca on Rua Conego Albano Falcao 5. Tel: 351 273 381 444. Email: pnm@icn.pt. From here you can obtain information about the Natural Park and a free schematic map.