Monuments

Around 3 kilometres from Bragança, there is Castro de Avelãs, home to the remains of a Benedictine monastery. This wealthy institution played a key role in settling the region and aiding pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela from the 12th century through to the end of the 16th century. In 1543, a papal bull was issued by Paul III that declared the monastery was annexed to the diocese of Miranda do Douro along with all its clergy and assets. This hand over began its decline.

The remains are, however, extremely original. Romanesque in design, the church chevet clearly demonstrates the monumental scale of the project. According to the medieval construction methods then in use, this part of the church was first built but only after the entire perimeter had been demarcated. It could then be used as a place of worship prior to work actually being completed.

The chevet is made up of three circular chapels. These are of exceptional architectural quality featuring fine tile work and the decoration applied to the blind arcades, an example unique to Portugal.

In the 18th century, a rectangular extension was added to the apse, the sacristy was annexed to the smaller left apse with the right remaining open to the outside. Of the surviving outbuildings, there remains a quadrangular tower.

On 26th March 1387, the duke of Lancaster stayed overnight here prior to meeting with king João I (1385-1433) for the signing of the treaty of Babe in which he granted the hand of his daughter, Filipa of Lancaster, in marriage.