Bettencourt Palace (Angra Public Library)

Category: Civil Architecture > Dwelling

District: Açores > Angra do Heroísmo > Angra do Heroísmo > Sé

Location

Bettencourt Palace is located in the heart of Sé, the central area of Angra do Heroísmo's historic center. Situated on a corner, it naturally adapts to the city's characteristic topography. Its privileged position places visitors within short walking distance of other important points of interest in the area classified as a World Heritage site.

The urban surroundings, with their cobblestone streets and historic buildings, contribute to an atmosphere of discovery when strolling through the vicinity of this palace.

A History of Family and Culture

Built between the late 17th and early 18th centuries, this imposing building initially served as the residence of the wealthy Bettencourt family. Over the centuries, it witnessed various transformations and uses, housing, for example, the episcopal residence and educational facilities.

It is noteworthy that this noble house withstood the strong earthquake that shook the city in 1980, maintaining its structure intact. Since the mid-20th century, the palace found its current purpose, functioning as the headquarters of the Public Library and Regional Archive of Angra do Heroísmo, a space dedicated to the preservation of memory and the dissemination of knowledge.

Architectural Details

The palace features an L-shaped plan, distinguished by the integration of a quadrangular tower at one of its corners. The facades, distributed over two floors, are marked by the dominant presence of dark basalt stonework, visible in the high plinth, the pilastered quoins, the friezes, and the cornices that define the structure.

The main portal stands out as a beautiful example of late-Baroque decoration. It is flanked by Solomonic columns and crowned by finials, featuring an intricately carved acanthus frieze and the Bettencourt family coat of arms, an element that underscores the building's noble origin. The windows of the noble floor, with their iron balconies, complement the harmony of the facade.

Interior Ambiance and Literary Heritage

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a central vestibule with stone flooring. The walls are embellished with bichromatic tile panels, in shades of blue and white, forming a decorative wainscot.

On the noble floor, accessible by a staircase also covered in tiles, there are rooms that still preserve the original furniture and bookshelves made of exotic woods. It is particularly interesting to discover the presence of some bookshelves believed to have belonged to the renowned poet Almeida Garrett, adding a layer of historical and literary value to the space.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt