Pius XII & Medina Museum, Braga
Museum in Braga
Nestled in the historic heart of Braga, the Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum together form one of the city's most engaging cultural stops. The Pius XII Museum offers an impressive journey through Braga's archaeological and religious past, while the adjoining Medina Museum celebrates the artistry of the renowned Portuguese painter Henrique Medina. This pairing of ancient history and modern creativity makes the complex one of the best places to visit in Braga and a highlight of any walking tour of Braga for art and history enthusiasts alike.
From ancient relics to oil paintings, the museums reveal the depth and diversity of Braga’s cultural heritage, offering an experience that is both intellectually enriching and visually captivating.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum
- Things to See and Do at the Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum
- How to Get There
- Practical Tips on Visiting the Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum
- Is the Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting the Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum
- Nearby Attractions to the Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum
History and Significance of the Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum
The Pius XII Museum (Museu Pio XII) is among the most important cultural institutions in northern Portugal, preserving centuries of archaeological, artistic, and religious treasures. Located in a historic building in central Braga, it was established to document the city's evolution from prehistoric times to the Christian era, showcasing the deep historical layers that define Braga as one of Portugal's oldest cities.
Inside, visitors can explore artifacts from various periods, including prehistoric tools, Roman mosaics, medieval sculptures, and ecclesiastical art. The museum also highlights Braga’s significance as a centre of early Christianity on the Iberian Peninsula. A visit to the Medieval Tower of Santiago, incorporated into the museum complex, provides not only insight into Braga’s medieval defences but also panoramic views over the city.
Sharing the same building is the Medina Museum (Museu Medina), dedicated to Henrique Medina (1901-1988), a prominent naturalist painter born in Porto. The museum's collection comprises 83 oil paintings and 21 drawings, reflecting his versatile talent for portraiture, still life, and landscapes. Medina's artistic training took him from Porto to Paris, Rome, and London, and his works are represented in museums across Portugal and beyond. The inclusion of the Medina Museum within the Pius XII complex creates a fascinating contrast - pairing the sacred and historical with the intimate and expressive world of modern fine art.
Things to See and Do at the Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum
Begin your visit in the Pius XII Museum, where archaeological displays reveal Braga’s origins. Roman artefacts, early Christian relics, and medieval ecclesiastical objects chart the city’s transformation from a Roman settlement to a religious capital. The collection also includes striking examples of sacred art - sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, and silverware that once adorned Braga’s churches and monasteries.
The museum’s Medieval Tower of Santiago offers a particularly memorable experience. Climbing the tower not only immerses you in Braga’s medieval past but also rewards you with sweeping views of the old town’s rooftops and landmarks.
Next, move to the Medina Museum, where Henrique Medina’s refined technique and emotional realism take centre stage. His portraits capture the individuality of his subjects with warmth and precision, while his still lifes and landscapes evoke a serene intimacy. The museum’s layout encourages quiet contemplation, allowing visitors to appreciate the depth and sensitivity of Medina’s work.
Together, these museums tell two sides of Braga’s story - its spiritual and artistic evolution through time.
How to Get There
The Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum are located in Braga's historic centre, just a short walk from the Cathedral of Braga and Praça da República. For those arriving by train, Braga Station is around a 15-minute walk away. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Visitors travelling by car can use the public car parks near Avenida Central or Campo da Vinha, both within easy walking distance of the museums. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum
- Best time to visit the museums: Morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy good light in the tower.
- Entrance fee in Euros: Around €3-€4; combined entry for both museums.
- Opening hours: Typically Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 am-12:30 pm and 2 pm-5:30 pm; closed Mondays.
- Official website: www.museupioxii.pt
- How long to spend: 1.5-2 hours for both museums and the tower.
- Accessibility: Ground floor accessible; tower access by stairs.
- Facilities: Restrooms and small gift shop.
- Photography tip: Capture the city view from the top of the Medieval Tower of Santiago.
- Guided tours: Available in Portuguese and English upon request.
- Nearby food options: Several cafés and restaurants around Rua Dom Diogo de Sousa and Praça da República.
Is the Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum Worth Visiting?
Yes - the Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum are among the must-see places in Braga for anyone interested in history, religion, and art. The Pius XII Museum provides a powerful sense of Braga's ancient and spiritual legacy, while the Medina Museum offers a window into the refined sensibility of one of Portugal's great modern painters. Together, they create a richly layered experience that captures both the soul and creativity of Braga.
What Other Travellers Say...
Museu Pio XII at Largo de Santiago 47 in Braga presents archaeological relics from the Paleolithic through modern times alongside paintings, statuary and textiles; visitors praise well-preserved artifacts and religious art, a Henrique Medina painting gallery, helpful and English-speaking staff who explain the exhibits and how to reach the nearby tower with great city views, and notable objects such as a figurine of Our Lady of the Milk and several gold pieces.
FAQs for Visiting the Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum
Nearby Attractions to the Pius XII Museum and Medina Museum
- Cathedral of Braga (Sé de Braga) - Portugal's oldest cathedral, showcasing centuries of art and devotion.
- Episcopal Palace - A Gothic-to-Baroque complex beside the Santa Barbara Garden.
- Jardim de Santa Bárbara - A romantic garden set against medieval ruins.
- Biscainhos Museum - A Baroque palace filled with art and French-style gardens.
- Palácio do Raio - A blue-tiled Baroque masterpiece designed by André Soares.
The Pius XII & Medina Museum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Braga!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
From Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 6 p.m.
The Museum is closed on Mondays. As well as on 25 December, 1 January and Easter Sunday.
Medina Gallery visit: 2€ Medieval Tower visit: 2€ Entire Museum visit: 4€
Nearby Attractions
- Braga Cathedral (0.2) km
Cathedral - Palácio do Raio (0.3) km
Historic Building and Museum - Episcopal Palace (0.3) km
Palace - Museu D. Diogo de Sousa (0.3) km
Museum - Theatro Circo (0.3) km
Theatre - Fonte do Ídolo (0.3) km
Historic Site - Santa Barbara Garden (0.3) km
Gardens - Torre de Menagem (0.3) km
Tower - Arco da Porta Nova (0.4) km
City Gate - Termas Romanas do Alto da Cividade (0.4) km
Historic Site
