Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Bragança > Bragança > Bragança > Sé, Santa Maria e Meixedo
Located in the heart of Bragança, in the area encompassing Sé, Santa Maria, and Meixedo, the Church of São Vicente stands in a square in the historic part of the city. Its main façade, facing south, stands out in the urban space, accessible via a staircase that follows the terrain's slope.
This location, known as Largo do Principal, was formerly one of the central squares of the town, granting the church a prominent position in the urban fabric.
The roots of the Church of São Vicente probably date back to the early 13th century, already being mentioned in old documents from 1258 as one of Bragança's parish seats. Over the centuries, the church faced periods of abandonment and destruction.
In the 16th century, the building was in ruins, having been demolished, with the exception of the chancel. Subsequently, it was donated to a confraternity for reconstruction. In the 17th century, the collapse of a city wall tower caused further damage, leading to a new campaign of works that imprinted upon it the Baroque features largely visible today. This troubled journey shaped its architecture, combining vestiges of its origins with influences from later periods.
Upon entering, one notices the richness of the interior decoration, largely dating from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The focal point is the chancel, which is distinguished by its particular shape and for being almost entirely covered by profuse Baroque gilded carving, full of vegetal details that create an environment of great exuberance.
The chancel ceiling features a beautiful painted vault with a star pattern. On the main altar is the image of Santo Cristo, an object of great devotion. The church also houses other images and side altarpieces dedicated to figures such as Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Anthony, Our Lady, and, of course, Saint Vincent. The deepest chapel, on the left side (Gospel side), has an interesting star-shaped rib-vaulted ceiling above a Rocaille-style altarpiece.
Externally, the church presents a more sober appearance that contrasts with the interior richness. The main portal, on the south façade, follows the Mannerist style, notable for its pilasters and triangular pediment. A remarkable detail at the back is the brickwork of the chancel apse, which displays a characteristic pattern of the Mudéjar style, an architectural heritage with Islamic influences present in other constructions in the region.
Next to the main entrance, there is an old stone fountain dated 1746, decorated with the royal arms. There is also a small exterior chapel with an azulejo panel representing Our Lord of the Steps. The current bell tower is simpler, having replaced an earlier one that collapsed in 1683.
The Church of São Vicente is linked to significant moments in Portuguese history and legends, making it a place with great symbolic weight. According to popular tradition, it was here that the secret marriage between D. Pedro I and D. Inês de Castro, one of the most famous and tragic romances in Portuguese history, is said to have occurred. Although its historical veracity is debated, this legend is deeply rooted in the local identity.
An azulejo panel on the church's north façade, placed more recently, commemorates this love story. The church's steps were also the scene of a real historical event on June 11, 1808, when General Sepúlveda gave an impassioned speech that mobilized the population of Bragança against the French invasions. This moment of local patriotism is marked by another azulejo panel on the building's south façade, installed in the early 20th century.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.8053235,-6.7525921
Coordinates DMS: 41°48'19.2"N 06°45'9.3"W
Weather Bragança
On-duty Pharmacy Bragança
