Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Braga
The Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Braga (Braga's Holy House of Mercy) was probably created in 1513 because of the action of the archbishop D. Diogo de Sousa (1505-1532). The Holy House it was initially welcomed in the Capela de Jesus da Misericórdia (Chapel of Jesus of Mercy), in the cloisters of the Sé de Braga, staying in this place until 1562. In 1558, the brothers, supported by the archbishop D. Frei Baltasar Limpo (1550-1558), decided to build a church and a house, bringing more autonomy to the Brotherhood and increasing their importance in the city.
Throughout its existence, the Misericórdia de Braga helped people in need, basing its action on the practice of the 14 Works of Mercy. They helped women, especially single women and widows, gave alms to the poorest, helped prisoners, captives and pilgrims, assisted the sick and also offered spiritual assistance.
The Hospital de S. Marcos (St Marcus Hospital) was founded by D. Diogo de Sousa, in 1508. The administration of the hospital transferred to the Misericórdia de Braga in the year of 1559, by determination of the archbishop D. Frei Bartolomeu dos Mártires (1559-1581). The Misericórdia de Braga directed much of its efforts to the hospital sector until 1974, when the hospital it was intervened by the State, forcing the Santa Casa to redirect its area of operation.
In the last decades, it has placed particular emphasis on recovering its heritage, both mobile and immobile.
The Misericórdia de Braga continues to play an important role in the social area, managing three homes for the elderly, one Day Centre, Home Support, Social Canteen, Day Care, among other services. Also runs a Pharmacy and the Centro Interpretativo das Memórias da Misericórdia de Braga - Palácio do Raio (Interpretative Center of the Memories of Mercy of Braga - Raio's Palace).