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Church of São João de Deus, in Chaves

tourist — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 16:47:00 +0000

This church dates from the eighteenth century, and was built during the reign of King João V, its patron and supporter, whose coat of arms is included in the doorway. At first it was a church adjoining a military hospital supported by the brothers of São João de Deus, and which contained a Theatre of Surgery and Anatomy during the reign of Queen Maria I. Situated on the left bank of the Tâmega, it has an octagonal nave, with Baroque and Neo-Classic construction elements.

Church of A Misericórdia, in Chaves

tourist — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 16:36:36 +0000

Dating from the end of the seventeenth century, it was built in Baroque style with Renaissance elements. It is said that this was the chapel of the palace of the Dukes of Bragança. Its single nave is covered with decorated tiles from the eighteenth century, showing biblical scenes and motifs. Other important features are its main altar and a painting from 1743 on the wooden ceiling, showing a scene from the Visitation.

Mother Church of Santa Maria Maior, in Chaves

tourist — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 16:32:20 +0000

Romanesque in origin, the church is thought to have been built over a Roman temple in the time of Bishop Idacio. The first historical reference to the church dates from 1259, with the tower and porch from this period still standing. It was restored during the reign of João III (in the sixteenth century), based on Renaissance models from the time, and then underwent new reforms in the eighteenth century. Its interior contains three naves, supported by thick columns covered with a roof made of chestnut wood.

A dome covers the main altar, and a lantern stands over the Chapel of the Most Holy. In a small square to one side of the church is a pelourinho or pillory in Manueline style, where justice was administered in mediaeval times.

It was during the Roman period, one of the most important urban centers of the peninsula, and the records of the time of suevas invasions, said the city as the seat of a Christian bishopric. The existing temple would have been partially destroyed, having the time of Arab occupation, saying the extinction of the diocese.

The documentary references to the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore appear fixed in the Inquiries Afonsinas of 1259. The Romanesque temple have possibly been built in the twelfth century, on another of Visigothic origin. Still standing bell tower and its portal of the medieval structure.

A major renovation were made to the temple during the reign of King John III, to integrate the Romanesque structure, two portals and the Renaissance style.

Lines clearly inspired by Italian architecture, with a perfect arch and flanked by small columns is inserted into the triangular pediment shot.

The lateral portal, is assigned to the mason, sculptor John Noble. The decor is full of grutesco reasons, having carved in the upper surface of the arch busts of St. Paul and St. Peter.

In keeps it inside the medieval structure composed of three naves marked by robust pillars, wooden ceiling (XIX century), originally the cover was made by cannon vaults. Before the chapel, there are two chapels. The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament of the century. XVI and rebuilt in the mid-eighteenth century. In the front room, the chapel is dedicated to Santa Maria, behind which lies the sacristy.

The chancel was rebuilt in the second half of the sixteenth century (1561). Opens with a pointed triumphal arch, surmounted by a panel of tiles, alluding to the Assumption of Mary.

Old Cathedral of Bragança

tourist — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 16:10:33 +0000

The Cathedral was built during the century. XVI by city council initiative and with the support of the Duke D. Teodósio. It was intended initially to be a convent of the Order of Santa Clara, but was occupied by the Jesuits between 1562 and 1759, working as a College. In 1764, when he moved the seat of Miranda’s bishopric to Bragança, the church was the Cathedral, when he suffered expansion works.

This is particularly the Renaissance portal with Baroque elements on the north side facade. In the center, we can see a niche with a Virgin of Milk with the Child. The interior is very decorated, especially the triumphal arch with the arms of the city, the high altar of gilt century. XVIII and the side altarpieces from the same period.

It is worth visiting the sacristy of the century. XVII, where we found an ornate chest of drawers with high quality oil paintings depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assis and St. Ignatius. In the painted ceiling repeats St. Ignatius the subject.

The Renaissance cloister, with two floors, retains its original structure.

Museum of Religious Art of the Flaviense Region. in Chaves

tourist — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 15:50:28 +0000

Museum of Religious Art of the Flaviense Region (Chaves)

The museum of Religious Art of the Flaviense Region has stood in the historic centre of the city since 2008, in a building alongside the Mother Church. Inside it displays, conserves and exhibits fundamental aspects of the region’s religious heritage. It has a wide range of items on display, mainly consisting of religious imagery, and liturgical clothing and objects.