Braga Municipal Stadium
Eduardo Souto de Moura · Braga, Portugal · 2003
Braga's Municipal Stadium was carved into the edge of a former quarry for the 2004 European football championship. Eduardo Souto de Moura placed two main stands opposite each other, leaving the ends open to rock and landscape. Completed in 2003, the stadium uses exposed concrete and a cable-supported roof system to give an unusually direct expression to its structure. The excavated setting is an active part of the architecture rather than a backdrop. The relationship between the monumental quarry face, precise seating geometry and open horizon makes the project a distinctive alternative to an enclosed stadium bowl. Visiting: Interior access requires a stadium tour or event ticket. Tour availability is subject to operations.