Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga) | Portugal
The Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga) is the oldest cathedral in Portugal, and a cornerstone of the nation’s religious identity. Founded in the 11th century, even before Portugal became a country, it reflects over 900 years of architectural evolution, from Romanesque to Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque.
Braga Cathedral is one of the most important buildings in the country, once being the seat of the Archdiocese of Braga and of the Primate Archbishop of Portugal and Spain. The Diocese of Braga dates from the 3rd century AD, being one of the oldest in the peninsula and the centre for the Christianization of Gallaecia (Northwestern Iberia).
Competing with the Santiago de Compostela in Spain, it was the first Portuguese cathedral, erected even before the founding of the country. Initially lost in the 8th century due to the arrival of the Moors, the bishopric of Braga was restored in 1071 and work began on the cathedral in 1089. Various chapels were built, and prominent figures buried within.
The parents of the 1st king of Portugal Henrique and Teresa are buried in the Chapel of Kings. Archbishop Gonçalo Pereira from the 13th century was buried in the Chapel of Glory. Archbishop Diogo de Sousa from the 15th century was buried in the Chapel of Piety. The first indication of a chapel at the site was from the 14th century.
A pilgrimage church was later built in 1629 and dedicated to Bom Jesus. Work on the current sanctuary began in 1722 under the patronage of the Archbishop of Braga, Rodrigo de Moura Telles. Much of the exterior was designed by renowned Braga architect André Soares.