Category: Civil Architecture > House
District: Braga > Guimarães > Guimarães > Centro Histórico de Guimarães e Zona de Couros
The Casa dos Lobos Machados is strategically located in the heart of the Guimarães Historic Centre and Couros Zone, an area that enjoys the prestige of being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated in the city of Guimarães, belonging to the Braga district, this edifice is integrated into the old urban fabric, characterized by its winding streets and the preservation of an atmosphere that transports visitors back centuries.
Its privileged position allows for a complete immersion in the city's historic atmosphere, where every street and square echoes the history of Portugal.
As an example of an urban noble residence, the Casa dos Lobos Machados reflects the civil architecture typical of the Guimarães region, predominantly built of granite. Its facade, with the robustness and intrinsic beauty of the local stone, harmoniously integrates into the picturesque setting of the historic centre. Although specific details may vary, it is common to find elements in these buildings such as doors and windows with ornate frames, sometimes exhibiting straight or arched lintels, which attest to the architectural styles of previous eras, from the medieval period to the early modern age.
The house possesses a structure that underscores its dignity, contributing to the distinct character of Guimarães' built heritage.
The name "Lobos Machados" most likely suggests a connection to a renowned family or one with high social status that, over the centuries, held possession of this dwelling. The tradition of naming houses after family surnames or heraldic references is common in cities with such a rich past as Guimarães, where the built heritage is intrinsically linked to the history of its people.
The Casa dos Lobos Machados is, therefore, more than an architectural structure; it is a piece of Guimarães' social and cultural history, a link to the lives and legacy of the families that shaped the city over time. Its presence in the Guimarães Historic Centre and Couros Zone underscores the richness and diversity of the city's architectural heritage, inviting reflection on its remarkable legacy.
Sources: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Casa_dos_Lobos_Machados,_Guimarães.jpg
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.442441,-8.294443
Coordinates DMS: 41°26'32.8"N 08°17'40.0"W