Church of Saint Vincent or Parish Church of Saint Vincent

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Braga > Braga > Braga > São Vicente

Location and Access

- Located in the parish of São Vicente, in the city and municipality of Braga, in northern Portugal.

History and Importance

- The church was built on an older temple, which was possibly destroyed during the Muslim invasion.

- An important historical landmark is a Visigothic gravestone with an inscription dated 656, which mentions the day Monday for the first time.

- The current temple was rebuilt in the 16th century and underwent a significant restoration in 1691.

- The church has been considered a Property of Public Interest since 1986.

Architectural Features

- The church is Baroque in style, with a facade that mixes Baroque and Mannerist elements.

- The facade is adorned with various Baroque details and is attributed to Friar Luís de S. José, the same architect of the facade of the Alcobaça Monastery.

- The facade is topped by a papal cross, a symbol of the privileges granted by the Church in 1598.

Bell Tower

- The tower, located behind the chancel, was the tallest building in Braga, suffering several damages due to thunderstorms and being rebuilt twice, with the last renovation occurring in 1812.

- Originally, the tower had a weather vane, created by João de Araújo Faúlhas in 1743 and covered with gold leaf in 1744.

- In 1813, the brotherhood of São Vicente placed a lead box with relics in the tower to protect it.

Highlights of the Interior

- The interior of the church is richly decorated with tile panels from 1873, made by the Fábrica de Cerâmica das Devesas.

- The choir is attributed to the architect Carlos Amarante, and the organ was built in 1769 by Francisco António Solha.

- Also noteworthy are two large canvases by the painter Carlos António Leoni, which illustrate the martyrdom of São Vicente.

Heritage and Art

- The church is known for its architectural style and the richness of its interior, including the organ and paintings.

- Its history and artistic elements make it one of the most representative churches in Braga.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_São_Vicente_(São_Vicente)

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt