"Mosteiro de S. Martinho de Tibães"(Monastery of S. Martinho de Tibães)

This Roman monastery was founded in the late 9th century and it received the “Carta do Couto”, granted by the Count D. Henrique in 1110. Throughout the early Middle Ages, the monastery became the trustee of a vast heritage. It was extended in the first half of the XVI century thanks to the Commendatory Abbot Friar António de Sá. In 1567 it became the headquarters of the Congregation of São Bento of Portugal and Brazil. Its restoration and cultural promotion began after it was bought by the Portuguese Government in 1986, and was then empty and derelict. Besides the church, which can be used for cultural heritage, the re-establishment of a monastic community, the transformation of different areas of the building into a museum and the creation of a study centre are planned due to the importance of the monastery in the Portuguese circuit of Saint Benedict.   Address: Mosteiro Street – 4700-565 Braga Telephone: 253 622 670 / 253 623 950 Fax: 253 623 951 Email: msmtibaes@ippar.pt Site: www.geira.pt/msmtibaes Office hours: (From Tuesday to Sunday) From 10h00 to 17h30 Closed on Mondays.

"Museu Nogueira da Silva" (Nogueira da Silva Museum)

The “Nogueira da Silva” Museum owes its foundation to the legacy made in September, 1975 in favour of the University of Minho by António Augusto Nogueira da Silva. Born in Braga, he developed philanthropic activities, which led to his recognition by the Government and the Church, receiving several honorary titles. The area of the building, originally designed by architect Rodrigues Lima, the garden and the fact that it is located in the city centre, allows for spaces to be opened for complementary cultural activities to the Museum: the University Gallery, where temporary Art exhibitions are held; auditoriums for conferences and concerts; the Fototeca (Photographic Library), where several photographic archives are kept and the Educational Service with a diverse activity programme for schools. The permanent exhibition includes an important porcelain collection, pieces of furniture, paintings, silver, ivory and some tapestries and glazed tiles.    Address: Av. Central, 61 – 4710-228 Braga Telephone: 253 601 275 Fax: 253 264 036 Email: sec@mns.uminho.pt Site: www.mns.uminho.pt Office Hours: Museum From 10h00 to 12h00 From 14h00 to 17h00 Gallery From 10h00 to 12h00 From 14h00 to 18h45 Closed on Saturday mornings, Sundays, Mondays and holidays.

"Museu Pio XII" (Pio XII Museum)

“Museu Pio XII” has a large number of assets in the lytic, numismatic, ceramic, textile, sculpture, painting and jewellery areas. The visitors can discover a significant part of Henrique Medina’s work, one of the greatest portrait painters of the 20th century. The “Museu Pio XII” is the depositor of 50 paintings and 20 drawings. The museum offers a visit to the Medieval Tower, or “Nossa Senhora da Torre”, where, throughout its 5 floors, the history of Braga is narrated. The first floor illustrates the period from the “brácaros” to the reconquering; on the second floor you will see the medieval Braga; the third floor takes you to the renaissance – Braga expanding into beautiful squares; the embellishment of these new spaces (work of the architects André Soares and Carlos Amarante) is narrated on the fourth floor; the last floor shows us Braga as it is today.         On the top of the Tower… a magnificent panoramic view! Address: Largo de Santiago, 47 – 4704-532 Braga Telephone: 253 200 130 Fax: 253 200 131 Email: museupioxii@hotmail.com Office Hours: (From Tuesday to Sunday) From 09h00 to 12h30 From 14h30 to 18h00 Closed on Mondays.