Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

The Ducal Palace of the Braganza or Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (Portuguese: Paço dos Duques de Bragança) is a medieval estate and former residence of the first Dukes of Braganza, located in the historical centre of Guimarães (Oliveira do Castelo), in the north-western part of Portugal.

It was initiated between 1420 and 1422 by Afonso, Count of Barcelos, the illegitimate son of John I of Portugal (and future Duke of Bragança), after his marriage to his second wife. His descendants would occupy the space until the Dukes of Braganza moved to Vila Viçosa, abandoning the palace. The 16th Century marked the beginning of period of ruin, which was aggravated during the 19th century, when the local population used the palace as a personal quarry. During the Estado Novo regime, a controversial restoration restored the Palace, while implying a grandeur that may not have existed. The Palace of the Dukes was classified as a National Monument (Portuguese: Monumento Nacional) in 1910, and has been an official residence for the Presidency.

Text adapted from “Palace of the Dukes of Braganza” on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Palace of the Dukes of Braganza ranks #2,389 of 7,738 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #26 of the 200 mapped in Portugal. Founded 1420, it is older than 52% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 434 atlas entries founded in the 15th century. Its Wikipedia articles were opened 3,605 times in the last 60 days, more than 79% of the atlas. 5 more atlas landmarks stand within 25 km. The nearest day-trip guide is Guimarães, 1 km away. See how Portugal compares in the castle statistics.

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