Cathedral of St Mary

Cathedral of Braga

The Cathedral of Braga (Portuguese: Sé de Braga) stands as one of Portugal's most significant historical and artistic buildings, located in the northern city of Braga. It holds the distinction of being the seat of the Archdiocese of Braga and the Primate Archbishop of Portugal and Spain, underscoring its profound religious importance.

History and Religious Significance

The Diocese of Braga traces its origins to the 3rd century AD, making it one of the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula and a crucial center for the Christianization of Gallaecia (Northwestern Iberia). Tradition holds that Saint Peter of Rates was the first bishop, appointed by Saint James the Great between 45 and 60 AD. During the 6th century, Bishop Martin of Dumio converted the Suebi to Catholicism, further cementing Braga's religious influence.

After a period of diminished importance and the loss of its bishopric during Visigoth and Moorish rule, the bishopric was restored around 1071. Bishop Pedro initiated the construction of the current cathedral, with its eastern chapels consecrated in 1089. In 1107, Braga was elevated to an archbishopric, with the Archbishop of Braga holding authority over a vast territory encompassing much of modern Portugal and parts of Galicia, Spain. The Cathedral of Braga predates the founding of Portugal by several decades and played a vital role in the nation's formation, notably through the advocacy of Archbishop D. Paio Mendes, who supported the cause of Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, and helped secure papal recognition of Portugal's independence.

Architectural Evolution

The cathedral's architectural narrative is one of continuous evolution, resulting in a rich amalgamation of styles. While its foundations lie in the Burgundian Romanesque style, influenced by churches like Cluny, it has been extensively modified over centuries. Key additions include a late Gothic entrance gallery (galilee) built between 1486 and 1501, a Manueline main chapel reconstructed by João de Castilho in 1509, and numerous Baroque alterations to the towers, chapels, and interior decoration. The nave was largely restored to its Romanesque character in the 20th century.

Notable Features and Personalities

Internally, the cathedral features three aisles with a wooden roof, a transept, and five chapels in the apse. The main chapel is Manueline, while others display Baroque and Neoclassical designs. The Chapel of the Glory, built between 1326 and 1348, houses a magnificent tomb for Archbishop Gonçalo Pereira. The Chapel of the Kings contains the tombs of Count Henry and Countess Theresa. The cathedral also preserves the tomb of Crown Prince D. Afonso and features impressive Baroque choir stalls and organs.

The Cathedral of Braga has been a focal point for many important historical and religious figures, including Saint Peter of Rates, Saint Martin of Braga, Paulus Orosius, Count Henry, Countess Theresa, Antipope Gregory VIII, Pope John XXI, Archbishop D. Diogo de Sousa, Saint Ovidius, and Archbishop D. Lourenço Vicente. The Cathedral has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.