Old Cathedral of the Holy Name of Jesus, Bragança

The Old Cathedral of the Holy Name of Jesus is a parish church in Bragança featuring Manueline architectural elements with intricate stonework and late Gothic details on its facade and throughout its interior spaces. The building showcases the craftsmanship typical of its architectural period with carved stone, arched openings, and decorated surfaces.

The building began as a convent during the 16th century and became a cathedral in 1764 when the Diocese of Bragança was established. This transformation reflected changes in the religious organization of northern Portugal during that period.

The cathedral's dedication to Jesus remains central to how locals and visitors experience the space today through regular worship and prayer. The building continues to serve as a focal point for community religious life in this part of Bragança.

The site is open for visits during daylight hours, with guided tours available to explain the architectural features and how the space functions as a working parish church. Before visiting, it is worth checking when services are scheduled since these may affect access to certain areas.

The building experienced multiple transformations in its religious function, moving from convent to cathedral and finally to its current role as a parish church. These transitions are subtle but visible in how different sections of the structure were adapted over time to serve new purposes.