Bragança

Bragança's main claim to fame lies in the Cidadela (Castelo de Bragança), virtually a separate village above the town and one with a distinctly medieval flavour. There are four particular sights here.

This is what remains of the 12th century Benedictine monastery, unmistakable by its head, with an apse in red brick. It is a rare example of "clay architecture", being an exception to northern granite architecture. It has a simple interior, of which stands out the golden carving of the altars and an interesting pulpit, supported by three wooden angels. Next to the churchyard there is a quadrangular granite tower. Access is via the direction of Vinhais.

It owes its name to Francisco Manuel Alves (1865-1947), a Trás-os-Montes researcher, appointed in 1889 as parish priest in the village of Baçal. It houses extensive collections of painting, furniture, religious art, ethnography and goldsmithing.

It aims to promote science among young people of all ages.

Built on land belonging to the Benedictine Monastery of Castro de Avelãs and intended for the convent of Claras nuns. The roof of the church, of a single nave, is subdivided into three vaults with cross arches and corbels; the main altar features gilded wood carving in national style; the balustrade choir is from the 18th century. It deserves a close visit to the Sacristy, from the 17th century, for the beauty of the decoration, for the richness of the paintings on the paneled ceiling (narrating the life of Saint Ignatius) and for the paintings that flank the arch. The Cloister also deserves special attention.