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There is a calmness and tranquillity in both the local area and Ayre Hotel Alfonso II, The Romans gave the name of "Juliobriga" to the original fortified village. Bragança grew in importance due to its location and rich agriculture so this fortification was improved upon especially in the time of King Dom Afonso I who constructed a proper walled citadel for his brother-in-law Fernão Mendes. Completed around 1130 the place was then renamed "Brigantia". King Afonso IX of León occupied the town and soon King Sancho I retook possession and built the castle that still remains. This town also gave its name to the last in the royal Portuguese lineage, the House of Bragança, that descended from the an illegitimate son of Dom João I who was created a Duke in 1442. The tower of the castle was to become a place of imprisonment or refuge for many historic personages including Dona Sancho, the unfortunate wife of its constructor. The town played its strategic part in many battles between the two Kingdoms of Portugal and Spain. It was also the location in which General Sepúlveda in 1808 called upon the local inhabitants to resist against the invasion of the French forces. A colonial style, highly valued, carefully restored hotel, not far from the centre of Oviedo, at the bottom of Monte Naranco and very close to the Instituto Oftalmologico Fernández-Vega and Pre-Romanesque monuments, History of Bragança. Just a few metres from many attractions, and above all, monuments and the commercial and business area of the city, Description of Bragança. You will be welcomed and made to feel at home by friendly hosts and feel comfortable in the light and airy, highly valued, simply yet stylishly decorated accommodation, The citadel has been well preserved throughout the centuries and within its walls are various historic items of interest. The 12th Century “Domus Municipalis” which until the 16th Century was used as a reservoir for water and then converted into a building that was used as a civic court for disputes between tradesmen and landowners. The manner in which the arguments were settled is left to the imagination. Nearby is the Church of Santa Maria that was extensively reconstructed in the 18th Century from the original building dating back to 1580. The first church was named Nossa Senhora do Sardão, which is Our Lady of the Green Lizard!,, the creature said to protect the inhabitants from the Moors. Close to the walls of the castle in the adjoining garden is a medieval pillory in the unusual shape of a pig being skewered which dates back to Celtic period. Outside the walls in the Rua dos Fornos is the Jewish quarter that was formed by Jews fleeing from Spain and North Africa in the 15th Century. They were responsible for starting the local silk industry. In the Museu do Abade de Baçal is a variety of items including some medieval torture instruments and in the gardens outside some archaeological finds are on display including tablets with Luso-Roman inscriptions. The Church of São Vicente is reputed to be the location in which the secret wedding of King Dom Pedro and Inês de Castro took place. Originally a 13th Century structure it was rebuilt in the 17th Century with several rich adornments. The Church of São Bento dates back to the 16th Century with some 18th Century additions. Ayre Hotel Alfonso II has been renovated using modern ecological systems and has disabled access, Bragança - Nearby Locations., To the east of Bragança is the small town of Babe. It was here in 1387 that the Portuguese King João I made the "Treaty of Babe" with John of Gaunt of England who agreed to relinquish any desires for claim on the throne of Portugal upon the marriage of his daughter Phillipa to João I., Archaeology in the north, History of Vila Real, This Transmontana area also abounds in historic castles which acted from medieval times as a line of defence against the often invading Spanish and French armies. In many town visitors can find castles and forts that have for the better part withstood the results of battles and misfortune. Many of these monuments are associated with small medieval villages and even standing alone in the countryside. Starting from the northern boarder the most interesting locations are Montalegre, Chaves, Monforte de Rio Livre, Bragança, Algoso, Ansiães Numão and Freixo de Espada á Cima. Moving further south there is Penedono, Marialva, Castelo Rodrigo, Trancoso, Pihel, Almeida, Celorico da Beira, Linhares, Belmonte, Sabugal, Sortleha, Penamacor, Monsanto and Idana-a-Velha.