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Bragança (Santa Maria)

Bragança Castle

Castles

Bragança (Santa Maria)

Bragança Castle

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Bragança Castle

Name: Bragança Castle
Rating: 2

Recommended by 24 hikers

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Location: Bragança (Santa Maria), Bragança, Portugal

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Best Hikes to Bragança Castle

5.0

(2)

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1. Miniature Park of Bragança – Bragança Castle loop from Bragança

4.30km

01:12

90m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.0

(1)

hikers

2. Miniature Park of Bragança – Bragança Castle loop from Samil

8.17km

02:12

110m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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3. Domus Municipalis de Bragança – Bragança Castle loop from Bragança

3.46km

00:59

80m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Tips

Pacmen64 🇵🇹

March 17, 2025

Classified as a National Monument in 1910, the castle that stands before our eyes today occupies an area of 3.2 hectares and has an approximate perimeter of 670 meters. Its walled section, with an irregular oval layout, is punctuated by pyramidal battlements and highlighted by 23 towers, of which 10 are turrets, 2 have a hexagonal plan, and 11 are quadrangular.

Currently, access to the Keep is via the north-facing side, through an external staircase made of schist masonry, attached to the tower's outer structure.

This is flanked by seven magnificent vaulted brick turrets (three to the east, three to the west, and one to the south), which join the wall section on the northern slope of the fortification.

Inside, the Military Museum, officially founded in 1983, occupies the four floors, sixteen rooms, terrace, and crypt of the Keep, as well as the entire exterior space bordered by the turrets, including the Princess Tower. This museum possesses a collection of great historical value, allowing visitors to follow the evolution of light weaponry from the 16th century to the mid-20th century. It seeks to promote the appreciation, enrichment, and exhibition of the historical-military heritage attributed to it and to disseminate the cultural values linked to military history. Visitors can also climb to the crenellated terrace to contemplate the marvelous landscapes, overlooking the Nogueira, Montesinho, and Coroa mountain ranges, the peaks of Sanábria, and the Leonese lands.

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Andreas

November 6, 2024

15 towers and three gates, plus the 33-meter-high keep - it's worth stopping by. The view of the city is beautiful.

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Pacmen64 🇵🇹

March 17, 2025

Bragança Castle, one of the most characteristic examples of medieval architecture, was built in 1409 on the orders of king João I on foundations dating back to the times of the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques.

Formed by an imposing keep and a double wall, it has stood up well to the tests of time. The central parade ground, known as the citadel or old town and where the church of Santa Maria and the Domus Municipalis are to be found, retain its medieval lines with narrow streets and small whitewashed houses.

Inside the 17-metre wide and 33-metre tall Keep, there are some notable gothic features including the battlements, the railed windows and the stone carved arms of the Casa Real de Avis (Royal House of Avis), founded by king João I.

Also inside, there is the Military Museum. Heading up to the top floor is well worth it if only for the wonderful views out over the city and surrounding countryside.

Fifteen towers and three gateways complete the walls. The Torre da Princesa (Tower of the Princess), a former belonging of the Casa dos Alcaides stores the legend of a princess taken prisoner. There is also the Porta da Vila (Town Gateway) that welcomes in visitors to the castle.

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Elevation 760 m

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Location: Bragança (Santa Maria), Bragança, Portugal

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Bragança Castle

1. Miniature Park of Bragança – Bragança Castle loop from Bragança

2. Miniature Park of Bragança – Bragança Castle loop from Samil

3. Domus Municipalis de Bragança – Bragança Castle loop from Bragança

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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