Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

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Aerial sight of the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (Paço dos Duques de Bragança) in Guimarães, Portugal, was probably built between 1420 and 1422, for Afonso, Count of Barcelos - bastard son of king John I of Portugal and future Duke of Bragança.

The construction of the palace coincided with the consecration of his marriage, when he came to live in Guimarães. The 16th Century marked the beginning of its ruin, a process that was aggravated during the 19th century, when the palace served as a quarry for the neighboring population. From 1937 rebuilding started, made possible by the analysis of the structure and the renovation of numerous elements, that had conferred it a palace with the European look that it has today.

Many tapestries and porcelains are among various articles of workmanships found in the palace.

Today, the Paço of the dukes is classified as a National Monument (Monumento Nacional) - 1910 - and has in its structure, a museum and the main façade in the 2nd floor is destined to the Official Residence for the Presidency of the Republic.

The Paço is located in the Conde Henrique Street in Guimarães and it is open to the general public.