Category: Civil Architecture > House
District: Braga > Braga > Braga > Sé
The Casa dos Biscaínhos is located in the historic center of Braga, in the Sé area. Although it is now integrated into the city center, it was once situated outside the medieval walls, suggesting that it was formerly a place more remote from urban bustle.
Its particular location, though amidst the urban fabric, maintains a visual and environmental connection with the surrounding space that highlights the historical character of the complex.
This building is a remarkable example of a manor house that bears witness to the life of the nobility between the 17th and 19th centuries. Its design evolved over time, with the initial 17th-century structure being expanded and remodeled in subsequent centuries.
The house is traditionally organized on two levels: the ground floor, which served as a service and support area (with spaces for stables, kitchens, and servants' quarters), and the noble floor, where the social and private life of its owners unfolded.
Upon entering the Casa dos Biscaínhos, one can observe details designed for the daily life of the period. The granite slab flooring in the main atrium, for example, was designed with grooves to facilitate the passage of horses and carriages. Sculpted figures welcome visitors, in the Baroque style.
Ascending to the noble floor, a monumental staircase stands out, decorated with 19th-century tiles. The spacious rooms on this floor reveal the grandeur of the house, with ornate ceilings and decorative elements characteristic of the Baroque, such as tiles, carved wood (talha), and painting. The Noble Hall, in particular, features a painted vaulted ceiling that illustrates the artistic richness of the era.
One of the highlights of the Casa dos Biscaínhos is its garden, considered one of the most significant examples of a Baroque garden in Portugal. Covering about one hectare at the rear of the house, this space offers a tranquil refuge in the heart of Braga.
The garden is organized on several terraces and features a formal design with boxwood parterres, fountains, sculptural elements, and tile panels adorning the walls. It also includes the so-called "casas de fresco" (cool houses), with centuries-old camellias. A notable tree, a Virginia tulip tree, planted in the 18th century, stands out for its size and age.
The Casa dos Biscaínhos now houses a museum whose collection allows visitors to understand the daily life and domestic environment of a noble urban residence from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Through the exhibition of various pieces, such as furniture, ceramics, glass, silver, textiles, musical instruments, and even period means of transport, visitors can get an idea of life in this house over several centuries.
The different rooms and the objects displayed within them help to create a portrait of the society, habits, and taste of the family who inhabited this space, offering a perspective on the past of the city of Braga.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palácio_dos_Biscainhos
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.55120351700499,-8.42959160036383
Coordinates DMS: 41°33'4.3"N 08°25'46.5"W
