Publications
A Presença de Emílio Biel no Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte
Historical analysis reveals the significant role of Emílio Biel as a photographer at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga between 1879 and 1880. Through meticulous examination of archival records, including contracts, payment orders, bills of exchange, prints, and photographic views from the Inventory of the Confraternity of Bom Jesus do Monte, researchers uncovered primary sources that illuminate the cultural and artistic context of this period. The study highlights the strict contractual terms imposed on Biel by the Brotherhood's Bureau and provides valuable iconographic evidence for the history of art, offering insights into the unique features and cultural significance of the Sanctuary during this time.
Bom Jesus do Monte, Sameiroy el patrimonio histórico - arqueológico en Braga (Norte de Portugal)
A notable anthropological analysis reveals the deep symbolic significance of Bom Jesus do Monte and Sameiro, two prominent Baroque sanctuaries perched on hills overlooking Braga, Portugal. These sites, rooted in a landscape with prehistoric sacred associations—particularly linked to Celtic traditions—embody a continuity from ancient to modern religious heritage. The study contextualizes these sanctuaries within the broader tradition of 'monte' (mountain) sanctuaries in northern Portugal, highlighting their architectural and cultural importance as part of Braga's rich historical and archaeological legacy. By examining their symbolic dimensions and historical evolution, the research underscores how these sites reflect the intersection of religious practice, landscape reverence, and regional identity.
O Elevador dos Guindais: acelerador de mobilidade, exemplo de visão e de conforto
The Elevador dos Guindais, inaugurated in Porto in 1882, stands as the first funicular in the Iberian Peninsula and a pioneering example of urban mobility infrastructure. Despite its short operational lifespan—closing just one day after its second anniversary—it left a significant mark on Porto's transportation history and architectural heritage. The study highlights its role in shaping urban mobility, contrasting it with the more enduring Elevador do Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, also designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard. While the Guindais funicular succumbed to time and compulsory closure, its legacy persists as a symbol of innovation and comfort in early urban transportation systems. The research underscores the broader impact of such infrastructures on city development, blending technical achievement with cultural significance.
Religious iconography and topography in the garden art of Early Modern Europe. Sources, interpretation, cultural context.
Early Modern European gardens, particularly those of the Renaissance, Mannerism, and Baroque periods, were rich with moral themes and Christian symbols that shaped their design. This study identifies two distinct garden types: architectural (e.g., Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga) and landscaping (e.g., Bomarzo). It explores how these gardens served as symbolic barriers against Protestant lands and delves into the interplay between garden descriptions, such as Francesco de’ Vieri’s 1587 treatise on Pratolino, and inscriptions like those in Valsanzibio. The research integrates firsthand observations from fieldwork, supported by photographs, to analyze how moral programs in gardens can be studied within the broader context of religious history and ideas. Translations into Russian were provided by B. Sokolov.
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