Igreja de Santa Cruz (Church of Holy Cross), Braga
The Church of Holy Cross was commissioned by Jer贸nimo Portilo, the founder of the Order of the Holy Cross, who was later granted the title of Royal Fellow by King Jo茫o 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 fa莽ade 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 fa莽ade, each incorporating clocks. These bell towers are renowned for their ornate decoration, attributed to the master bricklayer Francisco 脕lvares.
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.
The church's fa莽ade 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 fa莽ade, each incorporating clocks. These bell towers are renowned for their ornate decoration, attributed to the master bricklayer Francisco 脕lvares.
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.
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Igreja de Santa Cruz (Church of Holy Cross) on Map
Sight Name: Igreja de Santa Cruz (Church of Holy Cross)
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