The House of Braganza

The House of Braganza, also known as the Serene House of Braganza (Portuguese: Sereníssima Casa de Bragança), is a significant royal dynasty of European history. It was a paramount force in the political landscape of Portugal and Brazil from the 17th to the early 20th centuries. The dynasty, which is also referred to as the Brigantine dynasty (dinastia Brigantina), has its origins intertwined with the illustrious House of Aviz.

Origins and Rise

The House of Braganza was founded by Afonso I, 1st Duke of Braganza, an illegitimate son of King John I of Portugal from the House of Aviz, and Inês Pires. This lineage contributed to the house's growth into one of the wealthiest and most influential noble houses in Iberia during the Renaissance.

Rule Over Portugal and Brazil

The Braganzas ascended to the Portuguese throne in 1640, beginning a rule that lasted until the early 20th century. They also became the monarchs of the newly created United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves in 1815. Following the independence of Brazil in 1822, members of this house became the emperors of Brazil. The family produced fifteen Portuguese monarchs and four Brazilian monarchs.

Notable Figures

Prominent figures of the House of Braganza include:

• Catherine of Braganza, who became Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland as the wife of King Charles II. She is credited with popularizing tea in Britain.
• Maria Isabel of Braganza, who was the wife of Ferdinand VII of Spain and the founder of the El Prado Museum.
• Infante Manuel, Count of Ourém, and Pedro, Duke of Braganza, who were candidates for the thrones of Poland and Greece, respectively.

Decline

The Braganza dynasty faced a decline at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. This decline culminated with the deposition of Emperor Pedro II of Brazil in 1889 and King Manuel II of Portugal in 1910, leading to the end of their reigns in both Europe and the Americas.

Related Topics

• House of Bourbon-Braganza
• House of Orléans-Braganza
• Pantheon of the House of Braganza
• Menezes Braganza House
• List of Portuguese Monarchs

The House of Braganza remains an enduring symbol of a transformative period in the histories of Portugal and Brazil, intricately linked with the broader European aristocracy.