House of the Agras

Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House

District: Braga > Póvoa de Lanhoso > Póvoa de Lanhoso > Nossa Senhora do Amparo

Location

Casa das Agras is located in Póvoa de Lanhoso, within the Nossa Senhora do Amparo area, historically identified as the village of Aldeia and part of the old Couto do Salvador de Fonte Arcada. The site offers a tranquil environment that preserves the characteristics of a rural Minho setting, maintaining the authenticity of the landscape and the natural surroundings typical of the region.

A Family History and Architecture

This manor house is a testament to the long presence of the Ferreira de Melo family in the region. The current construction of Casa das Agras resulted from a significant rebuilding effort, undertaken after the damage caused during the French invasions. It was José Joaquim de Ferreira de Melo e Andrade, himself an architect and one of the lords of the house, who designed and supervised the construction of the property, with the laying of the first stone documented in 1830. The building's façade is distinguished by the coat of arms that bears the Ferreira de Melo family crest, marking their lineage and importance. Years later, in 1856, a tower was added, which lends a unique element to its silhouette. A curious particularity recounted about the house is its legendary fame for having 365 windows; it is said that one of them was, at a certain point, closed, in a symbolic gesture associated with a period of historical difficulties experienced by its owners.

The Gardens and Botanical Legacy

The gardens of Casa das Agras are among its most notable features and reflect a refined botanical vision. Their planning was entrusted to Narciso José Afonso Pereira, a figure known for his passion and sensitivity towards the plant world. Through his work, the gardens were enriched with a selection of rare and beautiful species of plants and shrubs, creating a space of great landscape and natural value. This care for the flora contributes to an inviting atmosphere that encourages observation and appreciation of the surrounding nature.

Literary Echoes

Casa das Agras also has interesting connections with Portuguese literature. Narciso José Afonso Pereira, who left his mark on the house's gardens, was a witness to the Maria da Fonte Revolt. His testimonies and impressions about this historical event were collected by the prominent novelist Camilo Castelo Branco, who incorporated them into his work "Maria da Fonte". This literary connection adds a layer of cultural depth to the house, linking it to significant moments in national history and artistic creation.

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