Cathedral of Miranda do Douro

About

Built at the end of the 16th century, this three-naved church seems too big for the surrounding town. This is because when it was constructed, it was the primary church for the Diocese of Bragança-Miranda, but in 1770 Pope Clement XIV moved the see to Braganza, making the Cathedral of Miranda do Douro a ‘co-cathedral’. The ruins behind the church were once the Bishop’s palace. Once you cross the impressive Renaissance portico, the interior is alight with Baroque furnishings. Un unusual image of Christ as a child is dressed in 17th century garb, with an entire wardrobe close at hand. Legend has it, the Christ-child walked the streets of Miranda, sword in his hand, to rouse the locals into fighting with the Spanish. The church’s second floor houses a life-size representation of the Calvary.