The Church of St. John the Baptist, better known as the Old Cathedral of Bragança, is, for many visitors, the "true" religious soul of the city. While the New Cathedral is modern and functional, the Old Cathedral breathes history and art.
It's worth visiting for 4 main reasons:
1. The Hidden Treasure Inside (The Golden "Wow")
From the outside, the facade is relatively sober and simple. Those passing by in the square can't imagine the richness that lies inside.
Gilded Woodcarving: As soon as you enter, you are struck by the brilliance of the Baroque altars. The main altar is impressive, but the side altars are also incredibly rich in 18th-century gilded woodcarving.
The Sacristy Ceiling: This is a secret that many tourists miss. If you manage to peek into the sacristy, look at the ceiling: it has oil paintings encased in wood that tell the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola. It's an art gallery on the ceiling.
2. The Jesuit Heritage (Living History)
This church was not originally a cathedral. It was part of a Jesuit College founded in the 16th century.
This explains the structure and art focused on visual catechesis.
It only became a "Sé" (Cathedral) in 1764, when the bishop moved from Miranda do Douro to Bragança, "borrowing" this Jesuit church to be his seat.
3. The Cloister of Peace
Next to the main nave, there is a very beautiful and tranquil Renaissance cloister. It is a space of silence in the middle of the city, with stone arcades and an interior garden that invites a pause. It is one of the most photogenic cloisters in Bragança.
4. Strategic Location
It is located in Praça da Sé, the heart of the lower part of the city.
It is the ideal stopping point before or after climbing to the Castle.
Right across the street is the city's Gothic pillory, allowing you to see two monuments in one place.
Visiting tip: After seeing the Old Cathedral, take a look at the surrounding buildings in the Cathedral Square; many of them have cafes with terraces where you can sample local sweets (such as the "pitos" of Santa Luzia) with a view of the church.