t The citadel dominates the town of Bragança.
F1 n Avenida Cidade de Zamora (273 381 273); Rua Abílio Beça; www.visitbraganca.eu
This town gave its name to Portugal’s final royal dynasty, descended from an illegitimate son of João I who was created first duke of Bragança in 1442. Dominated by an imposing citadel, Bragança is shrouded in history and legend.
This strategic hilltop was the site of a succession of forts before Fernão Mendes, brother-in-law to King Afonso Henriques, built a walled citadel here in 1130 and kept its historic name: Brigantia. Within the walls still stand Sancho I’s castle, built in 1187, with its watchtowers and dungeons, and the pentagonal 12th-century Domus Municipalis, beside the church of Santa Maria. The citadel is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
By the 15th century, Bragança had expanded west along the banks of the Fervença river. The Jewish quarter, which centres around Rua dos Fornos, survives from this era, when Jews from North Africa and Spain settled here and founded the silk industry. Head to the lively covered market, by the old cathedral, where delicacies such as smoked hams and alheiras (chicken sausages) are sold.
t The citadel dominates the town of Bragança.
Experience Douro and Trás-os-Montes
t Bragança’s citadel, with its large keep, church and houses
Experience Douro and Trás-os-Montes
Timeline |
1130Citadel built by Afonso Henriques’ brother-in-law |
1150The Domus Municipalis is built to be a meeting place |
1442João I becomes the first duke of Bragança |
1496Manuel I expels the Jewish population from the town |
The Porta da Traição translates as the “Gate of Betrayal”.