Church of Santa Cruz - Braga

The Church of Santa Cruz, part of the ensemble known as the Church of Santa Cruz and the Hospital of the Brotherhood of Santa Cruz, was built in the 17th century in the Mannerist Baroque style.

The exterior is made entirely of sculpted stone with central symmetry.

In 1625, Archbishop Afonso Furtado de Mendonça blessed the land where the church was to be built and work began immediately. The stonework was not completed until 1653, with the exception of the towers, which were finished in 1694. Despite the slow pace of the work, the structure of the temple soon began to show signs of collapse . So, on November 16, 1731, the board of the brotherhood invited master Manuel Fernandes da Silva, who at that time was in charge of the construction work in Mafra, to repair the damage caused by the weather. After demolishing part of the walls, he stopped the work.

It was not until 1734 that the entire church was demolished, leaving only the main facade (which would be remodelled by Carlos António Leone), the work being completed in 1739.

The central part of the facade is divided into two levels with a pediment and fins. On the first level there are four Doric columns with an entablature, whose frieze in bas-relief shows the instruments of the Passion of Christ , with at each end the figure of the cock, evoking the denial by Peter.

On the pediment, three medallions surround the oculus. The ensemble is crowned by three statues : Saint Helena supporting the cross, flanked by two kneeling figures in armour and cloak, with a sceptre and crown at their feet (probably Emperor Constantine and King Afonso Henriques).

The interior is characterized by unusual gilded woodwork. The nave, which is very high, is formed by a square stone vault. The interior of the church was designed by Brother José de Santo António Vilaça. The gilded woodwork on the organ and pulpits is striking.

Willem Vandenameele