The building known as Domus Municipalis in Bragança in the district of the same name in northern Portugal probably goes back to a cistern that was created in the 13th or 14th century. In the first third of the 15th century, an upper floor was built over the cistern, which served as the town hall until the 19th century. In 1910 the Domus Municipalis was declared a Monumento Nacional
Although much has been written about its purpose, there is no consensus among scholars. It served as a water cistern, but there are doubts as to whether this was its original function.
The name by which it is known today (in Latin "Domus Municipalis", in Portuguese "Casa Municipal") is due to the fact that it was used as the Town Hall by the Municipal Administration of Bragança.
The Domus Municipalis of Bragança is one of those unparalleled treasures. It's worth visiting not only because it's a national monument, but because it's a true relic: the only example of Romanesque civil architecture in the entire Iberian Peninsula.
If you enjoy history or architecture, you'll quickly understand why this building is so special:
1. An Architectural Rarity (Unique Form) While most Romanesque buildings that have survived to this day are churches or monasteries, this is a civil (non-religious) building. Even more curious is its shape: an irregular pentagon. This is not something you see every day in medieval architecture.
2. The Mysterious Dual Function Upon entering, you'll realize that the building is "two in one". This clever engineering tells a story of the city's survival:
The Lower Floor (The Cistern): The building's base is a huge vaulted cistern that collected rainwater and spring water. Since Bragança (and its Citadel) is located on a hill, water was a scarce and vital resource for resisting military sieges.
The Upper Floor (The "Town Hall"): Above the cistern, there is a large room with windows all around (letting in plenty of light and air). It is believed that this was where the "good men" of the council met to discuss city affairs. Imagine a medieval town hall, outdoors but covered.
3. Details Not to Be Missed The Light and the Views: As it is an open space with a gallery of arched windows all around, the light enters in a very special way, creating a photogenic environment and allowing you to see the Citadel from various angles.
The Modillions (Corners): If you look closely at the cornice (the top of the walls, both inside and out), you'll see small stone sculptures called modillions or corbels. They have curious shapes, ranging from human faces to animals and geometric figures, typical of medieval imagery.
It's a quick visit (you can see it in 15-20 minutes), it's free (usually), and it's literally next to the Church of Santa Maria and the Castle. In other words, there's no reason not to go in!
Translated by Google •
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