PT22 Visit to Braga

The students followed a guided tour of Braga. The guide showed them different aspects of the city at different times in its history, which allowed the students to make the link with the work they had to do themselves during the week. 

In particular, the students were able to discover:

- The bath: they are built according to a specific model: a steam bath room with a small kiln, a second room with seats made of ston and a courtyard. They date from the Roman period.

- The arch of the new gate: this monumental gate in the form of a triumphal arch was built in its present form in 1772/3. Its architectural style is twofold: baroque on the one hand and neo-classical on the other. It also points out the figure that represents the city of Braga, a baroque allegory from the Arcada building. 

- The cathedral dates from the 12th century: it is the oldest in Portugal. It combines several architectural styles depending on the period (from Romanesque to Baroque), when it was extended. The cathedral was also used as a place of defence in the Middle Ages. And today it is the symbol of the city and the center of the Holy Week festivities. The province of Minho is indeed the region of Portugal with the strongest religious tradition. 

- The gardens of Santa Barbara next to the old palace of the archibishops: this building date back to the year  1746. In the middle of the garden, a 17th century fountain is topped by the statue of Santa Barbara. The flowers invade this space for an explosion of colours and scents.

- Igreja de Santa Cruz: the church was built in the 17th century and has a Baroque façade. Inside, the altars and chairs are covered with rich and precise golden mosaic panels. Legend tells it that there are three roosters carved in relief on the façade and the person who finds two of them is promised a wedding. 

The students acquired more historical and cultural knowledge about the history of Braga. They will be able to reinvest the vocabulary learned and the historical approach used.