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About this place
Capela da Nossa Senhora da Torre in Braga is a small Baroque chapel set into the base of the Torre de Santiago, a medieval tower from the old city walls. It sits in the historic centre, between the squares of Largo de São Paulo and Largo de Santiago.
What is there to see?
The appeal lies in the mix of eras. The tower keeps its medieval look, while its northern face received rocaille decoration in the 18th century. The chapel occupies the lower level. Above it rises a stone section with a clock and a bell tower.
The tower once served as a lookout and as one of the entrances to the city. The Porta de Santiago, a gate on the same stretch of fortifications, stands right beside it.
Who designed it, and why was it built?
The chapel is attributed to André Soares, one of the leading architects of Baroque Braga. It was raised as an act of thanks to the Virgin, who was believed to have protected the Jesuit college during the great earthquake of 1755. That disaster devastated much of Portugal. The name, Our Lady of the Tower, refers to the spot where the chapel stands.
The Jesuit College of Santiago lies to the north, facing Largo de São Paulo. Passages once linked it to the tower. They are now blocked.
What else is nearby?
Largo de Santiago lies in the heart of Roman Bracara Augusta, close to where the forum once stood. The medieval wall also ran through this area. A short walk across the squares shows several layers of Braga's history in a small space.
The chapel has also drawn scholarly attention. Robert C. Smith included a study titled "A Capela de Nossa Senhora da Torre" in his 1972 book "Três estudos bracarenses".
How do I get there?
The chapel is in central Braga at Largo de São Paulo, 4700-001 Braga, at about 41.548 N, 8.427 W. The compact old town makes it an easy walk from the city's main monuments.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the chapel? In the lower part of the Torre de Santiago, beside Largo de São Paulo in central Braga.
Who designed it? It is attributed to the architect André Soares, who shaped much of Braga's Baroque skyline.
Why was it built? As thanks to the Virgin for sparing the Jesuit college in the 1755 earthquake.
What can I see nearby? The Jesuit College of Santiago, the Porta de Santiago and stretches of medieval wall inside the former Roman core of the city.
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