Major Pessoa House

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Aveiro > Aveiro > Aveiro > Glória e Vera Cruz

Location

Located in the city of Aveiro, in the parish of Glória e Vera Cruz, Casa Major Pessoa faces one of the picturesque canals of the Aveiro Ria, next to the Rossio Garden. Its central position places it within a continuous urban fabric, where the presence of the Ria provides a distinctive and welcoming atmosphere.

This unique building is part of a characteristic urban frontage, contributing to the area's aesthetics and providing a pleasant visual setting for those strolling along the Ria's banks.

Art Nouveau in Focus

Casa Major Pessoa is one of the most significant examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Aveiro, a style that profoundly marked the city in the early 20th century. Built in 1907 at the initiative of Mário Belmonte Pessoa, the project is attributed to architects Francisco Augusto da Silva Rocha and Ernesto Korrodi.

The facade is a true calling card, displaying a remarkable decorative emphasis. Natural motifs, such as flowers and animals, and curvilinear forms are intertwined in the detailed stonework, the rich tiles, and the ironwork. Noteworthy features include the presence of eagles on the main facade and the dormer window, and the use of daisies, lilies, and acanthus leaves, all meticulously carved in stone. The dormer window, with its characteristic Japanese arch opening, is an architectural detail that has become a regional Aveiro trademark. The tile panels, from both Fábrica Fonte Nova and Jorge Colaço's workshop, contribute to the vibrant palette and unique character of the property.

Heritage and Identity

Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1997, Casa Major Pessoa represents an important landmark in Aveiro's cultural heritage. Originally a residence, this building was acquired by the Aveiro City Council in 2004, and, after a careful recovery process, was converted into a cultural space in 2008.

Inside, the house retains elements that reflect the opulence and taste of the Art Nouveau era. It is possible to appreciate period furniture and lamps, as well as various decorative pieces. However, it is in the tile panels that much of the interior richness is found, with compositions depicting landscapes, natural, and floral motifs, some in relief, all original from the house's construction period. Today, this space plays a crucial role in interpreting and disseminating the city's Art Nouveau style, serving as a starting point for exploring this artistic movement in Aveiro.

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