History

Desenho de uma estrela marrom com sete pontas em fundo transparente.

Stella Braga Aparthotel

Discover the story that gives soul to our space – from the origins of the building to the inspiring presence of the Spiritans in Portugal. A journey through the past that shapes the present and guides our mission of hosting with meaning and purpose.

The Building’s History

The building that now houses our space has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the 19th century. For decades, it quietly witnessed the transformation of the city, preserving unique architectural features that reflect its identity. Through careful restoration, we keep this heritage alive, harmonising the past with contemporary comfort.

Os Espiritanos:
A Fundação

A Congregação dos Missionários do Espírito Santo, conhecidos como Espiritanos, foi fundada em 1703 com o objetivo de levar a fé e a esperança onde mais se precisava. A sua missão transcende fronteiras e culturas, pautando-se pela dedicação ao serviço e à educação. Esta história de compromisso e entrega inspira o espírito do nosso projeto.

The Arrival of the Spiritans
in Portugal

The Spiritans arrived in Portugal in 1867, bringing a new missionary energy and a strong sense of community. They established themselves in various regions, making decisive contributions to the social and spiritual development of local communities.

The Fraião Seminary:
A Landmark

The Fraião Seminary emerged as a space dedicated to spiritual and intellectual formation, where many young people found their path to priesthood and mission work. It symbolises the Spiritans’ enduring commitment to education and faith.

The Present Mission

Today, the Spiritans continue their mission, adapting to new times and challenges. Their work in Portugal and across the world remains dedicated to service, solidarity and the values that have always guided the congregation.

The proceeds from Stella Barga Aparthotel will fund religious and humanitarian missions around the globe.

History of the Congregation

History

Stella Braga Aparthotel exists through the initiative of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit, promoting their heritage in the service of hospitality in the city of Braga – so important to their history – while supporting the sustainability of the congregation’s social and missionary work.

História da Congregação

Missionaries of the Holy Spirit

The Congregation of the Holy Spirit is a Catholic missionary organisation founded in Paris in 1703, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel, especially among the poorest.
Today, it has nearly 3,000 members in more than 60 countries across 5 continents.

História da Congregação

In Portugal

The Missionaries of the Holy Spirit established themselves in Portugal in 1867 with the initial aim of training missionaries for work in Angola.

They began in Santarém, but Braga became their true home in Portugal.

História da Congregação

In Braga

The first community in Braga was founded in 1872, on Rua do Carvalhal. Later, in 1878, after moving between locations, they inaugurated the Holy Spirit College in the parish of São Vítor. Like other houses of the Congregation, it was confiscated in 1910 with the establishment of the republican regime. Today, it houses the Sá de Miranda School.

História da Congregação

In Fraião

Once the political climate calmed, the previously dispersed and exiled Spiritan missionaries returned to Braga in 1919, settling in Fraião in 1927, where they founded a seminary for missionary training.

Today, in addition to Stella Braga Aparthotel, the site also hosts a missionary community, a vocational and youth pastoral centre and the “Anima Una” residence for the elderly.