Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Braga

With around 200,000 inhabitants, Braga is the third largest city in Portugal. The Romans conquered the country around 140 BC. In 3 BC, they founded the Roman city of Bracara Augusta on this site and made it the capital of a judicial district. In 283, the city became the capital of the province of Gallaecia. In the course of the Migration Period, Braga became the capital of the Suebi kingdom in 411, which became Visigothic in 586. In 715, the region fell to the Moors, but the Christians succeeded in reconquering it in 868. In 908, Braga became the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia. In the 10th century, the Moors repeatedly waged war in the region. In 1112, the city became the seat of an archbishop. In the 16th century, it was redesigned in the Baroque style and partially remodelled in the 18th century with neoclassical buildings. Braga is the center of one of the oldest dioceses of the iberian peninsula, dating to the back to the Migration Period, when Martin of Dumio was able to christianize the invading Suebi tribes. The tourism office was inaugurated in 1937, under a project of Moura Coutinho, an architect from Braga.

With around 200,000 inhabitants, Braga is the third largest city in Portugal. The Romans conquered the country around 140 BC. In 3 BC, they founded the Roman city of Bracara Augusta on this site and made it the capital of a judicial district. In 283, the city became the capital of the province of Gallaecia. In the course of the Migration Period, Braga became the capital of the Suebi kingdom in 411, which became Visigothic in 586. In 715, the region fell to the Moors, but the Christians succeeded in reconquering it in 868. In 908, Braga became the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia. In the 10th century, the Moors repeatedly waged war in the region. In 1112, the city became the seat of an archbishop. In the 16th century, it was redesigned in the Baroque style and partially remodelled in the 18th century with neoclassical buildings. Braga is the center of one of the oldest dioceses of the iberian peninsula, dating to the back to the Migration Period, when Martin of Dumio was able to christianize the invading Suebi tribes. In 1906, a group of people from Braga founded the Theatro Circo. This project was a response to the wishes of the city, which was experiencing a major theatre development, similar to the rest of the country. The project for the new theatre was carried out by architect Moura Coutinho and was built in a part of the space previously occupied by the defunct Convento dos Remédios. Work began in 1911 and was completed in 1914. The main room had a capacity of 1500 seats. Due to its size and architecture, it was considered one of the largest and most beautiful theatres in the country at the time. In the 1930s, sound film was added to theatre. This renewed art marked a turning point in the Theatro Circo. The screening of films led to the decline of the then traditional arts. After the Carnation Revolution, all plays focused on the central theme of freedom. However, the opening of new cinemas and the advent of television in the country led to the economic decline of the Theatro Circo. In order to regain a certain level of profitability, the Café Bristol was sold to a bank. In 1974, a "studio" cinema was opened. In 1987, the Braga Theatre Company opened a branch in the Theatro Circo. In 1988, Braga City Council acquired the building. At the end of the 1990s, Braga City Council and the Ministry of Culture drew up a plan to restore the original design and remodel the foyer and main auditorium (now with 899 seats). Work began in 2000. The theatre reopened in 2006

With around 200,000 inhabitants, Braga is the third largest city in Portugal. The Romans conquered the country around 140 BC. In 3 BC, they founded the Roman city of Bracara Augusta on this site and made it the capital of a judicial district. In 283, the city became the capital of the province of Gallaecia. In the course of the Migration Period, Braga became the capital of the Suebi kingdom in 411, which became Visigothic in 586. In 715, the region fell to the Moors, but the Christians succeeded in reconquering it in 868. In 908, Braga became the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia. In the 10th century, the Moors repeatedly waged war in the region. In 1112, the city became the seat of an archbishop. In the 16th century, it was redesigned in the Baroque style and partially remodelled in the 18th century with neoclassical buildings. Braga is the center of one of the oldest dioceses of the iberian peninsula, dating to the back to the Migration Period, when Martin of Dumio was able to christianize the invading Suebi tribes. Good hats can be found at Machado

With around 200,000 inhabitants, Braga is the third largest city in Portugal. The Romans conquered the country around 140 BC. In 3 BC, they founded the Roman city of Bracara Augusta on this site and made it the capital of a judicial district. In 283, the city became the capital of the province of Gallaecia. In the course of the Migration Period, Braga became the capital of the Suebi kingdom in 411, which became Visigothic in 586. In 715, the region fell to the Moors, but the Christians succeeded in reconquering it in 868. In 908, Braga became the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia. In the 10th century, the Moors repeatedly waged war in the region. In 1112, the city became the seat of an archbishop. In the 16th century, it was redesigned in the Baroque style and partially remodelled in the 18th century with neoclassical buildings. Braga is the center of one of the oldest dioceses of the iberian peninsula, dating to the back to the Migration Period, when Martin of Dumio was able to christianize the invading Suebi tribes. The cathedral originally dates back to the 12th century, but it got greatly modified, resulting in a mix of romanesque, gothic baroquche parts. The horrors of purgatory

With around 200,000 inhabitants, Braga is the third largest city in Portugal. The Romans conquered the country around 140 BC. In 3 BC, they founded the Roman city of Bracara Augusta on this site and made it the capital of a judicial district. In 283, the city became the capital of the province of Gallaecia. In the course of the Migration Period, Braga became the capital of the Suebi kingdom in 411, which became Visigothic in 586. In 715, the region fell to the Moors, but the Christians succeeded in reconquering it in 868. In 908, Braga became the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia. In the 10th century, the Moors repeatedly waged war in the region. In 1112, the city became the seat of an archbishop. In the 16th century, it was redesigned in the Baroque style and partially remodelled in the 18th century with neoclassical buildings. Braga is the center of one of the oldest dioceses of the iberian peninsula, dating to the back to the Migration Period, when Martin of Dumio was able to christianize the invading Suebi tribes. The cathedral originally dates back to the 12th century, but it got greatly modified, resulting in a mix of romanesque, gothic baroquche parts. A romanesque capital.

With around 200,000 inhabitants, Braga is the third largest city in Portugal. The Romans conquered the country around 140 BC. In 3 BC, they founded the Roman city of Bracara Augusta on this site and made it the capital of a judicial district. In 283, the city became the capital of the province of Gallaecia. In the course of the Migration Period, Braga became the capital of the Suebi kingdom in 411, which became Visigothic in 586. In 715, the region fell to the Moors, but the Christians succeeded in reconquering it in 868. In 908, Braga became the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia. In the 10th century, the Moors repeatedly waged war in the region. In 1112, the city became the seat of an archbishop. In the 16th century, it was redesigned in the Baroque style and partially remodelled in the 18th century with neoclassical buildings. Braga is the center of one of the oldest dioceses of the iberian peninsula, dating to the back to the Migration Period, when Martin of Dumio was able to christianize the invading Suebi tribes. The cathedral originally dates back to the 12th century, but it got greatly modified, resulting in a mix of romanesque, gothic baroquche parts. A romanesque capital.

With around 200,000 inhabitants, Braga is the third largest city in Portugal. The Romans conquered the country around 140 BC. In 3 BC, they founded the Roman city of Bracara Augusta on this site and made it the capital of a judicial district. In 283, the city became the capital of the province of Gallaecia. In the course of the Migration Period, Braga became the capital of the Suebi kingdom in 411, which became Visigothic in 586. In 715, the region fell to the Moors, but the Christians succeeded in reconquering it in 868. In 908, Braga became the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia. In the 10th century, the Moors repeatedly waged war in the region. In 1112, the city became the seat of an archbishop. In the 16th century, it was redesigned in the Baroque style and partially remodelled in the 18th century with neoclassical buildings. Braga is the center of one of the oldest dioceses of the iberian peninsula, dating to the back to the Migration Period, when Martin of Dumio was able to christianize the invading Suebi tribes. The cathedral originally dates back to the 12th century, but it got greatly modified, resulting in a mix of romanesque, gothic baroquche parts. This is the main portal (western façade). The gallery was built in gothic style between 1486 and 1501, the middle arch seems older, the upper part and the towers were "modernised" during the 19th century.

Probably founded between 1110 and 1130 by the local nobility, Augustine Canons lived in the Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Landim. The former convent´s church was largely remodeled within the 16th century. Today the church and the remaining (well restored) buildings are a favourite place for wedding parties. www.mosteirodelandim.com/

The Igreja de Arnoso Santa Maria, just south of Braga, is tiled with "azulejos", glazed tiles, that give it a distinctive, very "Portuguese" look. The blue/while tiles can be found on many buildings in Northern Portugal.

Mosteiro de Vilar de Frades (aka Mosteiro de São Salvador) is located east of Barcelos. A convent may have existed here already in the second half of the 6th century. After the Reconquista the monastery was refounded and rebuilt here and in 1059 Benedictine monks lived here. During the reign of Sancho I of Portugal (1185-1211) a Romanesque church was erected of which some parts still exist. Around 1400 the monastery was given up, but revitalized from 1425 by Mestre João Vicente. The monastery got enlarged and existed upto 1834. Today the buildings house a home for disabled people and sheltered workshops. The portal of the Romanesque church is now "integrated" into the church´s facade. The portal was taken down and rebuilt in the early 19th century. So this may not the original state. There are three archivolts with some interesting (and enigmatic) carvings. This is the central stone of the outer archivolt. Five very stoic looking gentlemen, sitting on snakes. Are they fighting the snakes? Or are they demonstrating that snakes cannot harm them?

Mosteiro de Vilar de Frades (aka Mosteiro de São Salvador) is located east of Barcelos. A convent may have existed here already in the second half of the 6th century. After the Reconquista the monastery was refounded and rebuilt here and in 1059 Benedictine monks lived here. During the reign of Sancho I of Portugal (1185-1211) a Romanesque church was erected of which some parts still exist. Around 1400 the monastery was given up, but revitalized from 1425 by Mestre João Vicente. The monastery got enlarged and existed upto 1834. Today the buildings house a home for disabled people and sheltered workshops. The portal of the Romanesque church is now "integrated" into the church´s facade. The portal was taken down and rebuilt in the early 19th century. So this may not the original state. There are three archivolts with some interesting (and enigmatic) carvings. There are three archivolts with some interesting (and enigmatic) carvings. Here are (outer archivolt) a well dressed lady. Manuel L. Real ("Portugal Roman", Edition Zodiaque) sees a dancer. She is followed by a fully armed knight and a mythivcl dragonlike animal, spitting fire.

Mosteiro de Vilar de Frades (aka Mosteiro de São Salvador) is located east of Barcelos. A convent may have existed here already in the second half of the 6th century. After the Reconquista the monastery was refounded and rebuilt here and in 1059 Benedictine monks lived here. During the reign of Sancho I of Portugal (1185-1211) a Romanesque church was erected of which some parts still exist. Around 1400 the monastery was given up, but revitalized from 1425 by Mestre João Vicente. The monastery got enlarged and existed upto 1834. Today the buildings house a home for disabled people and sheltered workshops. The portal of the Romanesque church is now "integrated" into the church´s facade. The portal was taken down and rebuilt in the early 19th century. So this may not the original state. There are three archivolts with some interesting (and enigmatic) carvings. Above a bishop or abbot (crozier, mitra) is a knight on horseback with sword and shield. Horses were much smaller at that time, than they are today. But for sure - not that short.

Mosteiro de Vilar de Frades (aka Mosteiro de São Salvador) is located east of Barcelos. A convent may have existed here already in the second half of the 6th century. After the Reconquista the monastery was refounded and rebuilt here and in 1059 Benedictine monks lived here. During the reign of Sancho I of Portugal (1185-1211) a Romanesque church was erected of which some parts still exist. Around 1400 the monastery was given up, but revitalized from 1425 by Mestre João Vicente. The monastery got enlarged and existed upto 1834. Today the buildings house a home for disabled people and sheltered workshops. The portal of the Romanesque church is now "integrated" into the church´s facade. The portal was taken down and rebuilt in the early 19th century. So this may not the original state. There are three archivolts with some interesting (and enigmatic) carvings. Is here a is a wrestling - or a hugging couple?

Mosteiro de Vilar de Frades (aka Mosteiro de São Salvador) is located east of Barcelos. A convent may have existed here already in the second half of the 6th century. After the Reconquista the monastery was refounded and rebuilt here and in 1059 Benedictine monks lived here. During the reign of Sancho I of Portugal (1185-1211) a Romanesque church was erected of which some parts still exist. Around 1400 the monastery was given up, but revitalized from 1425 by Mestre João Vicente. The monastery got enlarged and existed upto 1834. Today the buildings house a home for disabled people and sheltered workshops. The portal of the Romanesque church is now "integrated" into the church´s facade. The portal was taken down and rebuilt in the early 19th century. So this may not the original state.

Mosteiro de Vilar de Frades (aka Mosteiro de São Salvador) is located east of Barcelos. A convent may have existed here already in the second half of the 6th century. After the Reconquista the monastery was refounded and rebuilt here and in 1059 Benedictine monks lived here. During the reign of Sancho I of Portugal (1185-1211) a Romanesque church was erected of which some parts still exist. Around 1400 the monastery was given up, but revitalized from 1425 by Mestre João Vicente. The monastery got enlarged and existed upto 1834. Today the buildings house a home for disabled people and sheltered workshops. The right part of the facade has the Romanesque facade, though it was taken down and rebuilt in the early 19th century. So this may not the original state.

The legend of the Rooster of Barcelos ("Lenda do Galo de Barcelos") tells the story of a dead rooster's miraculous intervention in proving the innocence of a man who had been falsely accused and sentenced to death. According to the legend, silver had been stolen in Barcelos, and the inhabitants of that city were looking for the thieve. A man from Galicia became suspect, despite his pleas of innocence. The Galician swore that he was just passing through Barcelos on a Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The authorities arrested the pilgrim and condemned him to hang, but he asked them to take him in front of the judge who had condemned him. So he was taken to the judge, who was holding a banquet with his friends. Affirming his innocence, the pilgrim pointed to a roasted cock on the table and exclaimed "It is as certain that I am innocent as it is certain that this rooster will crow when they hang me." The judge then not eat the rooster, but he ignored the Galician's appeal. However, while the pilgrim was being hanged, the roasted rooster stood up on the table and crowed. The judge ran to the gallows, to discover that the Galician had been saved from hanging thanks to a poorly made knot in the rope. The man was immediately freed and sent off in peace. Actually the legend exists in different variants along the different "Caminos de Santiago", but here the pilgrim returned to Barcelos and sculpted this "Cruzeiro do Senhor do Galo".

The south side of the cathedral in Braga does have a romanesque portal. Here the the romanesque architecture of a "basilica", with its tall central nave and the lower aisles, is in evidence

Braga is the center of one of the oldest dioceses of the iberian peninsula, dating to the back to the Migration Period, when Martin of Dumio was able to christianize the invading Suebi tribes, who founded a kingdom here, after the roman power crumbled. The cathedral originally dates back to the 12th century, but it got greatly modified, resulting in a mix of romanesque, gothic baroquche parts. This is the main portal (western façade). The gallery was built in gothic style between 1486 and 1501, the middle arch seems older, the upper part and the towers were "modernised" during the 19th century.