Praca da Republica (Republic Square), Braga

The Republic Square has a history that dates back to the end of the Middle Ages. Its popular nickname, Arcada, comes from the arcade that graces the square. The arcade was constructed in 1715, following the initiative of D. Rodrigo de Moura Teles, replacing an earlier arcade that existed during the time of D. Diogo de Sousa. During the late 16th century, the Republic Square was a bustling hub for trade in foodstuffs, supplying the city with essential provisions.

In the mid-19th century, the Republic Square was transformed into a public garden. The current arcade building, designed by municipal engineer Joaquim Pereira da Cruz, was completed in 1885, adding to the square's architectural beauty.

The Republic Square is home to several noteworthy architectural landmarks. The Church of Lapa graces one corner of the square, while two iconic century-old caf茅s, Caf茅 Vianna and Ast贸ria, offer a taste of tradition and history. The Banco de Portugal building, constructed in 1921 by architect Moura Coutinho, occupies another section of the square. Adjacent to it stands a building once occupied by Banco do Minho, which was eventually demolished in the 1940s, making way for the current Caixa Geral de Dep贸sitos building.

The square is surrounded by an array of cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it an ideal place for visitors to enjoy a meal, a coffee, or some shopping. You can savor traditional Portuguese cuisine, sip on coffee or wine, and explore local boutiques and souvenir stores in the vicinity.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Braga. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: 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.

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Sight Name: Praca da Republica (Republic Square)
Sight Location: Braga, Portugal (See walking tours in Braga)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Braga Introduction Walking Tour

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.

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

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

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