The church of São Francisco is the largest Catholic temple in the city of Bragança and features one of the richest collections of sacred art in the region.
Newsroom – Portugal – Bragança (30/01/2022, 12:00 PM, Gaudium Press) The Portuguese Diocese of Bragança-Miranda has disclosed that the church and churchyard of the Convent of São Francisco have been auctioned for about 218,000 euros. The church, classified as a Monument of Public Interest, was seized as part of a lawsuit initiated in 2007, in which a contractor was charging a debt.
The church, the churchyard, and a plot of land belong to the secular Franciscan order, formerly the Franciscan Third Order, and are integrated in the convent of São Francisco. The latter is currently under state administration, as part of the Bragança District Archive.
Dating from the 13th century and located next to the castle of Bragança, the medieval building was once a convent, military hospital, and asylum. It is classified as a Monument of Public Interest, considered one of the most emblematic of the city.
Identity of the buyer remains unknown
The identity of the buyer of the Portuguese church has not been revealed. The mayor of Bragança, Hernâni Dias, has promised, within his possibilities, to prevent the property from passing into private hands.
Dom António Montes Moreira, bishop emeritus and member of the Franciscan Order, pointed out that the owner of the property classified as a “monument” is an independent entity that does not answer to the Diocese.
Largest catholic temple in the city of Bragança
The church of São Francisco is the largest Catholic temple in the city of Bragança and houses one of the richest collections of sacred art in the region. The restorations carried out in recent years have revealed new discoveries to the cultural and religious heritage. Inside the temple, in its vaulted ceiling, it is possible to admire medieval frescoes. The art collection includes a statue of a winged Christ, one of the only two existing images in Europe. (EPC)
Compiled by Sarah Gangl
