From the various emblematic buildings in the city, the following are of great relevance:

The “Arco da Porta Nova" (N.M./P.V.) is the gate of entrance into the city. It was built in 1512, in the era of Archbishop D. Diogo de Sousa. The present construction dates back to 1772 and was designed by André Soares and commissioned by the Archbishop D. Gaspar de Bragança. It was classified as a National Monument in 1910.

"Palácio dos Biscaínhos" (Biscaínhos Palace)

The “Palácio dos Biscaínhos” (P.I.B./I.V.) is located in the centre of town. Built in the 16th century and modified throughout the centuries, this aristocratic palace has terraces with ornamented gardens and grand salons with luxurious ceilings. It houses the Artistic and Ethnographic Museum, with furniture pieces of Portuguese and foreign origin. The grooved pavement on the ground-floor is rather unique and allowed carriages to enter the building so that they could proceed to the horse-stables after the passengers had disembarked. On June 10th 1963 its last owner passed away and donated the entire building and its contents to the city.

"Casa dos Paivas ou Casa da Roda"

The “Casa dos Paivas ou da Roda” (P.I.B./P.V.) was built in the 16th century and is situated in the historical center of Braga. In the late 19th century, The Braga City Hall rented the building, where the “Hospício dos Expostos” or “Casa da Roda”, was installed. Thus would be Braga’s last “Casa da Roda”, or orphanage, thus its present designation. In 1986 it was bought by the City Hall. The building has been re-qualified and classified as a Building of Public Interest. It was built using materials from former buildings, which explains its unique appearance. The building is characteristic of by a renaissance Florentine style. The stone corners of the building, its symmetry, aesthetics and harmony are its most remarkable aspects. Today, the building houses the Parish Council of São João do Souto and the Youth Association “Jovens em Caminhada".

"Palácio do Raio ou Casa do Mexicano"

The “Palácio do Raio”, or “Casa do Mexicano” (P.I.B./P.V.) is a palace built between 1754- 55, and was commissioned by João Duarte de Faria, an influential merchant in Braga. The project, which was designed by the architect André Soares, is one of Braga’s most remarkable examples of civil architecture, in the baroque style of King John I.The palace was sold in 1853 by José Maria Duarte Peixoto to Miguel José Raio, viscount of São Lázaro, and is still known as “Palácio do Raio”. Miguel José Raio was a wealthy Brazilian capitalist, born in Braga, in Rua Cruz de Pedra, on May 10th, 1814. He died on August 14th, 1875. In 1863 the following owner opened the street in front of the palace to allow for a better view of his house and to be able to build two houses for his daughters. Nowadays, it belongs to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Braga and has been classified as a Building of Public Interest since 1956.

Abbreviations * N.M. – National Monument P.I.B. – Building of public interest P.V. – Possible to Visit I.V. – Impossible to Visit