Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza is an imposing and well kept 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 is very close to the castle of Guimaraes. Both are well worth a visit.

The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza is a medieval estate and former residence of the first Dukes of Braganza in the historic center of Guimarães. The construction of the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança began at the beginning of the 15th century. On the ground floor of the north wing there is a small museum of contemporary art with works by the painter José de Guimarães.

The residence was built in the first quarter of the 15th century (probably between 1420 and 1422) by Afonso, Count of Barcelos, the illegitimate son of John and the future Duke of Braganza, upon his return to Portugal after a series of diplomatic missions to the courts of France, Venice, Aragon, and Castile. The construction of this building marked the completion of his second marriage, when he took up residence in the city. The project, as some authors have suggested, was entrusted to the French architect Antom. However, around 1442 it was still under construction when the regent Peter came to Guimarães and stayed in the palace, which in time granted his half-brother the title of 1st Duke of Braganza.The commission continued until 1461, when Afonso died: the property and titles passed to his brother Fernando, although the widow, Constança de Noronha, continued to live in the residence and receive the land rents from the holdings in Guimarães.