Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

About this place

Begun in the 15th century for Afonso, the future Duke of Braganza, this residence records the rise of a powerful noble family. The building later fell into decline and underwent extensive 20th-century restoration. Keep that restoration history in mind when viewing its imposing medieval appearance. After the dukes moved elsewhere, the palace declined and some of its stone was reused. The later restoration reconstructed an imposing vision of the past, with aspects that have been debated. The site is therefore also a lesson in heritage preservation: what visitors see reflects decisions made by modern restorers as well as medieval patrons.