Santa Cruz Church, Religious monument in central Braga, Portugal
Santa Cruz Church is a church building in central Braga featuring a plain exterior with two bell towers that mask its ornate interior. Inside, gilded woodwork and stone vaults create a richly decorated space for worship.
Construction of the building began in 1625 under Jerónimo Portilo and continued for more than a century until 1737. During the Napoleonic invasions, it served a military purpose as a barracks before returning to religious use.
The walls display azulejo tile panels that show biblical stories for visitors to discover while walking through the space. These decorative tiles tell narratives that reflect the religious beliefs of the community.
The building is open to visitors daily and features wheelchair accessible entry to the main space, though some interior areas may present movement challenges. Allow adequate time to explore the detailed decorative elements throughout.
The building houses an organ crafted with exceptional skill that has survived through the centuries largely unchanged. The acoustic properties of the space make it sought after for musical performances and concerts.
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