Alvite Tower House

Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House

District: Braga > Cabeceiras de Basto > Alvite > Petimão

Location

Situated in Petimão, in the locality of Alvite, Cabeceiras de Basto, the Casa da Torre de Alvite stands on a hillside, offering a dominant view over the valley of the Rio de Ouro. Access is via a picturesque avenue, flanked by lush cedars, which introduces the property. It is set in a rural environment, surrounded by cultivated fields and vineyards, reflecting its agricultural character and its integration into the Minho landscape.

Manorial Architecture

The Casa da Torre de Alvite is a notable example of a noble residence of the "tower house" type. Its O-shaped plan structure is organized around an inner courtyard that serves as the heart of the complex. The most distinctive element is its imposing tower, which articulates with the remaining rectangular bodies, breaking the dominant horizontality of the construction. The main facade, facing east, stands out for its _armorial portal_, displaying the coats of arms of the Leites, Bacelares, Pereiras, and Abreus families, testifying to the lineage that inhabited this place.

Details and Ambiences

Inside the complex, the central courtyard houses an _octagonal fountain_, inviting a moment of tranquility. A covered veranda, supported by perfect round arches, projects over the courtyard, adding a touch of charm. The facades facing this space reveal rectangular windows and doors that, via a stone staircase with a voluted start, provide access to the various sectors of the house, including the tower and the chapel. In the tower, the full-arch windows, molded and equipped with stone window seats, offer views of the surroundings, while the top is adorned with gargoyles and pinnacles, lending it a singular presence.

The Chapel of the Holy Family

Adjoined to the tower is the private chapel, dedicated to the Holy Family. This space of devotion features a single nave, simple in its exterior volume but rich in interior details. The ceiling, a chestnut wood barrel vault, and the wooden floor create a welcoming atmosphere. The focal point is the main altarpiece, in white wood, in the _Joanine Baroque_ style, with an image of the Virgin and other elements of statuary. Inside, one can also observe a pulpit with a quadrangular stone base and an intricately carved wooden staircase, as well as a confessional embedded in the wall, evidencing the artistic richness and religious fervor that shaped this place.

Witnesses of History

The Casa da Torre de Alvite boasts a chronology spanning several centuries. The first documented records, dating back to 1658, mark the presence of João Leite Pereira as its first known lord. The current edifice, especially its portals and main body, dates back to the 18th century, with 1738 being the probable date for the construction of the portals. The house's history also reflects its resilience to natural events, such as the 1755 Earthquake, which caused damage to the crosses on the chapel's gables, later restored. In the 20th century, the property underwent restoration and reconstruction interventions. In the courtyard, one can find ancient tomb covers, one of which bears the inscription "CASA DA TORRE" (House of the Tower), adding a layer of mystery and a tangible link to the past of its inhabitants.

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