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Date: 16th, 17th and 18th centuries
Description: Ordered by D. João III, king of Portugal, the project begun in the ateliers in the capital, then altered and completed years later by the architect Miguel de Arruda and Spanish masters Francisco Velásquez and Pedro de La Faia. Works began in 1552 and ended in 1566. Until 1780 the cathedral was the center of all social, religious and cultural life in the City of Miranda do Douro. By then the pope decided to reunite the bishopric of Miranda with the city of Bragança. The interior of the temple presents body of three ships divided in five stretches.
The interior of the church is filled by gilded altars and altarpieces, from the national baroque till the beautiful paintings and sculptures of the 16th to 18th centuries. The main chapel was conclude in 1614 by the Spanish master Gregório Fernandez. The prominence goes for a magnificent Calvary of great dramatically tension. The exuberant baroque organ of 18th century still ascends in this magnificent environment of golden cut.
Classification: National Monument, Dec. 16-06-1910, DG 136 de 23 Junho 1910, ZEP, DG 185 de 09 Agosto 1957.
State of Conservation: Very Good
Legends and traditions: The cathedral is known for the legend of Menino Jesus da Cartolinha. The image is of Jesus as a child wearing a top hat and is dated from the late 17th century or early 18th century. The top hat dates from the 19th century. Legend says, that the city was invaded and pillaged by Spanish troops and while the Portuguese troops waited for reinforcements, a little boy very well dressed appeared and called all the inhabitants to rise and fight against the Spanish. People with rustic weapons united and fought the invaders away. During the battle the boy would appear and disappear and after the victory was declared he was never seen again. The little “general” had vanished. People said it had been a miracle and that the victory was due to the little boy Jesus. In his honor, an image of Little Boy Jesus dressed as a noble knight was made and placed on an altar in the cathedral.
Source: http://www.infopedia.pt/$se-catedral-de-miranda-do-douro