Biscainhos Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Braga > Braga > Braga > Forte

Location

The Biscainhos Museum is located in the heart of the city of Braga, in the area known as Forte. The palace that houses the museum was, at one time, built outside the city's medieval walls, which gave it a quieter and more secluded atmosphere, distant from the urban hustle and bustle. Currently, it is situated in a central context, but maintains its aura of refuge and beauty, providing a serene experience for its visitors.

A Palace with History

This remarkable heritage complex, which includes a stately palace and its vast gardens, is a testament to 17th and 18th-century architecture and living. Originally built at the beginning of the 17th century, the building underwent successive enlargements and remodelling over the following two hundred years, becoming a distinguished residence for a noble family. Recognized for its historical and architectural importance, the Biscainhos Palace has been classified as a Building of Public Interest, safeguarding its value for future generations.

A Window into Noble Life

The Biscainhos Museum offers a unique perspective on the daily life and customs of Portuguese nobility between the 17th and 19th centuries. By exploring its spaces, visitors are invited to imagine life in an urban stately home, from the service areas on the ground floor, such as the stables and the old kitchens, to the luxurious halls on the noble floor. Rooms such as the Noble Hall, the Estrado Rooms, the Oratory, the Music Room, or the Game Room, reveal the social habits, passions, and traditions of yesteryear, enriched by beautifully decorative elements, such as 18th-century tiles and ceilings with elaborate paintings and ornamentation.

The Collection and Art

The museum's permanent collections gather a vast and valuable array of decorative arts, illustrating the tastes and mastery of the period. It is possible to observe a diversity of furniture, Portuguese, European, and even Chinese ceramics, glass pieces, silverware, textiles, and weaponry. Furthermore, the museum exhibits works of painting and sculpture, drawing and engraving, providing a comprehensive view of the artistic and cultural heritage that comprised the environment of these stately homes, including even some means of transport from the era.

The Baroque Gardens

The Biscainhos Palace is complemented by one of the most significant examples of a Baroque garden in Portugal, extending over approximately one hectare. This green space is a true haven of tranquility in the heart of the city. Inspired by 18th-century French models, the formal garden features a meticulous layout with boxwood beds forming labyrinths, adorned with ornamental gates, fountain spouts, and low walls covered with tile panels. Among the natural elements, a majestic Virginia tulip tree stands out, planted during the time of D. João V, which is considered one of the most remarkable trees in the country, recognized for its age and grandeur.

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