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As you may already know, we here at Braga Cool love Braga and are always looking for new ways to divulge the best the city has to offer – not only to those who live here, but also to everyone that visits us. We love to show off our memorable architecture, art, culture, creativity, spaces, leisure. Here, there is a past, there is a present and, above all, there is a great future.
So, we joined forces with The Tourist Affairs, a concept born in Braga which aims to not only introduce you to the city, but also let you live the city fully, and together we created the Braga Cool Affair Guide, inspired by the city’s impressive architecture.
We headed out to discover some of the most beautiful buildings and of great international significance, all signed by architects from Braga.
To keep us company along the city tour, we invited Daniela, João and Susana, 3 architecture students that are studying at the University of Minho. Follow us along this unforgettable day!
As you may already know, we here at Braga Cool love Braga and are always looking for new ways to divulge the best the city has to offer – not only to those who live here, but also to everyone that visits us. We love to show off our memorable architecture, art, culture, creativity, spaces, leisure. Here, there is a past, there is a present and, above all, there is a great future.
So, we joined forces with The Tourist Affairs, a concept born in Braga which aims to not only introduce you to the city, but also let you live the city fully, and together we created the Braga Cool Affair Guide, inspired by the city’s impressive architecture.
We headed out to discover some of the most beautiful buildings and of great international significance, all signed by architects from Braga.
To keep us company along the city tour, we invited Daniela, João and Susana, 3 architecture students that are studying at the University of Minho. Follow us along this unforgettable day!
The day began with a visit to the Axa Stadium, also known as "The Quarry". Currently, the stadium is used by the city’s football team, Sporting Clube de Braga. Worldwide, this work is known for its architecture, signed by Eduardo Souto Moura, winner of the renowned Pritzker Prize in 2011.
Nobody is indifferent to the way the stadium engages with the rocky landscape of the Carlo Mount! During Braga Cool's visit to the stadium, we realized that there are many more interesting aspects than those that our eyes first see. Starting with the unusual stands that are exclusively lateral and seat 30,000 spectators. As there are no stands behind the goal posts, all that is left are the green landscapes on one side and the imposing rock on the other, both of which serve as stunning backdrops. To Souto Moura, it is on the lateral side of a stadium that football should be watched.
The cover, which is one of a kind in the world, stands out for its originality and is supported by 68 steel cables. The lighting system was designed to focus all the light on the field, where the show takes place, making the spectator feel like he’s in an ancient theater. Sensitive to ecological issues, the stadium was prepared to capture rain water through its cover and 20% slope, which directs the water to the existing aqueducts in the quarry. Subsequently, it is stored, treated and used to water the field and to wash the stadium’s stands: this rain water represents 80% of the water used in the stadium.
Considered one of the most beautiful and original stadiums in the world, Axa won the Secil Award in 2004 (Architecture Category) and in 2005 (Civil Engineering Category). Daniela, João and Susana could not agree more: it is indeed a beautiful stadium and its implementation within the quarry was an amazing job.
Recognized worldwide, in Braga many are oblivious to its existence. Daniela and Susana were delighted with the gallery, João loved revisiting it.
The gallery’s building was designed by Carvalho Araújo, a renowned architect from Braga. It is a contemporary art gallery that has already been filled with exhibitions by such great names as Richard Long, Gerhard Richter, Anselm Kiefer, Sigmar Polke, Georg Baselitz, Andy Warhol and Rachel Witheread, among others.
For João, in architectural terms, this work enchants because of the fact that the gallery was inserted into the landscape and therefore does not clash with the house’s large garden. Susana, on the other hand, found the gallery’s large glass entries extremely interesting, because they make the visual transition of the landscape from one side to the other possible, without the feeling that the building is an obstacle to the eye.
Back in the city center, it’s time for lunch. Because there is still so much to see, we opted for a quick lunch in order to continue the city tour. The restaurant we chose was Silvas, a discreet restaurant located next to the fortified castle tower. A small restaurant, but full of quality. The concept is quick lunches, enjoyed while seated directly at the counter, where you choose what you want to eat. There are many options, and if you’re undecided, and there is space, you can always combine a variety of dishes. Here, friendliness and quality service are guaranteed. When the sun is out, you can also enjoy lunch outside, on the pleasant terrace, located directly on the old castle’s square.
Because of its uniqueness, this was a place that our guests – Daniela, João and Susana – were already familiar with. Everyone agrees: they love the reclassification done by Eduardo Souto Moura of the municipal market’s original project, which he also designed in the 1980s, breathing new life into a space that was completely abandoned.
The Carandá cultural complex was honored by the Institute for Housing and Urban Rehabilitation with the "2012 IHRU Award". The complex is home to several cultural entities, such as Arte Total – a music and dance school.
The space preserved the old market’s fish stalls and left the old columns and stairs with an unfinished look. A provocation? A challenge to the interpretation and all the new things that can now be born into this new cultural complex?
In addition to the schools, the cultural market has a lovely garden and the “Cores de Chá” tearoom, which is famous for its high quality teas and wonderful scones.
The former National Republican Guard headquarters is now a space that aims to combine art, culture, science and technology. The building, restored by the Carvalho Araújo Atelier, is the new place for creativity in Braga, dedicated to the production and consumption of artistic activities so as to attract and maximize talent, promoting new ideas and businesses.
An ambitious goal, but possible due to the dimensions of the building, which houses various spaces such as patios and Black Box, designed for hosting shows; the incubator, the lab; creative shops, rooms for associations, rooms for educational services, the cafeteria and a club.
We highlight the indoor courtyards, lined with living nature, which soften the harshness of the building, creating a new perspective of all white walls. Daniela, João and Susana recognize this project as a very interesting one and believe in its potential.
Daniela, João and Susana have heard a lot about this chapel because it was designed by one of their professors, the architect André Cerejeira Fontes, together with his brother António, from the Cerejeira Fontes Atelier but, like us, they had never visited it.
We were all amazed by the intricate simplicity of the chapel. Idealized and designed right down to the very last detail by these architects during a year, it is a perfect expression of the bible. Nothing was left to chance: the chapel was inspired by the woods and was translated into a true architectural masterpiece where every corner, nook, play of light and simple accessories, such as those created by artisans from Barcelos, hold a unique symbolism that only the on-site explanation made us truly understand. This is not only a beautiful work of architecture, but also beholds a deep spiritual perspective.
Daniela, João and Susana highlight the chapel’s constructive method and the play of light: an indoor chapel, built with 20 tons of wood, all fit together without the use of nails; the play of light that the strips of wood permit, transform this chapel into a magical place, especially at dusk.
The day ends at the lovely Centésima Página bookstore, which João considers a great example of the preservation of the baroque style and an intelligent use of space.
Located inside Casa Rolão, a building that is classified as Public Interest since 1977, this house is a work of André Soares, an architect who, during many years, did not see his talent recognized, but was later considered one of the great master-builders of the baroque rococo style.
More than a bookstore, it is a place of refuge in the heart of the city. Extremely quiet, it is the perfect spot to be among books. On sunny days, you can also enjoy its serene garden. In addition to admiring the building, you can always savor your book with a drink or something to eat in the pleasant cafeteria that the bookstore offers.
Daniela, João and Susana reached the end of the day completely refreshed and inspired by the architectural quality they saw in Braga. However, they are sorry that it may be undervalued, because most of the people who live in Braga do not take full advantage of these beautiful buildings.
As a future generation of architects, they believe that their role in the city of Braga will be one of sensitizing local citizens to experience and live their spaces, to reclassify existing structures and to work on the harmonization of what already exists, all in the most strategic way possible.
If you’d also like to get to know the city from an architectural perspective, you can experience this tour through The Tourists Affairs. They will accompany you and organize everything you’ll need to enjoy a beautiful day in the city of Braga. Register and obtain more information via the following link: http://www.thetouristsaffairs.com/services.php?ss=5#ad-image-0