Republic Square - Braga

The Praça da República is popularly called simply Arcada .

The square was built in the late Middle Ages . The name Arcada comes from the arcade that was built there in 1715 at the initiative of D. Rodrigo de Moura Teles. Since the end of the 16th century , the goods that supplied the city were sold here . In the mid-19th century, the space was transformed into a public garden .

The construction of the current arcade building, designed by municipal engineer Joaquim Pereira da Cruz, was completed in 1885.

The most recent intervention in the square took place between June 1994 and July 1995, when traffic on the square was closed and a light fountain was installed.

On the square you will find the Lapa Church and two centuries-old, iconic cafés in the city: Café Vianna and Astória.

Willem Vandenameele