Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

Guimarães, Portugal

The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (Paço dos Duques de Bragança) is a medieval estate and former residence of the first Dukes of Braganza, located in the historical centre of Guimarães, in the north-western part of Portugal.

It was initiated between 1420 and 1422 by Afonso, Count of Barcelos, the illegitimate son of John I of Portugal (and future Duke of Bragança), after his marriage to his second wife. His prodigeny would occupy the space until the Dukes of Braganza moved to Vila Viçosa, abandoning the palace. The 16th Century marked the beginning of period of ruin, which was aggravated during the 19th century, when the local population used the palace as a personal quarry. During the Estado Novo regime, a controversial restoration restored the Palace, while implying a grandeur that may not have existed. 

 

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Details

Founded: 1420-1422
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Portugal

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Seimen Burum (4 months ago)
Beautiful interiors in this palace that was built in the 15th century by order of the Duke of Braganza and his wife Constanza of Noronha. There is a fixed route on the first floor that leads you through the various rooms. In the bedroom is a picture of Catharine of Braganza who married Charles II of England in May 1662. The chapel is modelled as it used to be in the 15th century and there you can find the original insole of a shoe from Constanza of Noronha. Over the door of the chapel is the coat of arms of the house Braganza
razorrau1 (6 months ago)
It is a very unique Palace that was rebuilt not too long ago. The recreation of the history is very interesting and the history behind it. It Is amazing the size of it with a huge Courtyard in the middle. All the artifacts on the inside were really unique pertaining to the time period it was built.
Sofia Almeida (8 months ago)
Wow there’s no words to explain everything all the details on the history inside this place… it’s a must on your visit to Portugal! I highly recommend a stop! We loved it
Rita (9 months ago)
Palace Duques de Bragança is located in the historical center of Guimarães, in the north-western part of Portugal. It is a medieval estate and former residence, and also a museum inside of the site. It is open all day and you must buy a ticket to enter the place. It is worth spending 5 euros per person to enter here. It is okay to buy the ticket upon arrival with 10 minutes of queue. Pros 1. Entrance accessible for wheelchairs. 2. Free parking nearby the site. 3. Free restroom inside the building. 4. Great place to learn about the medieval residence with period interiors. 5. You will see many beautiful tapestries and porcelains.
Danielle (11 months ago)
We visited the Palace Duques de Bragança on a short stop off to stretch our legs on our drive from Porto to the Douro Valley. We paired this with a short walk through town ending at the Garden of Largo Republic of Brazil. We bought tickets on site, upon our arrival. The architecture of the palace is impressive. The wooden ceiling is awe inspiring, it made us feel like we were inside the bones of an old wooden ship. Every item is well preserved! The chapel is breathtaking, the highlight of our tour. We were fortunate enough to visit right as the sun cleared the clouds and shown brilliantly through the stained glass. Well worth a short stop over on our way to the Douro Valley, we enjoyed our time at the Palace Duques de Bragança.
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