Dona Chica's Castle

Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House / Stately Mansion

District: Braga > Braga > Palmeira > Rua da Igreja

Location and Context

Dona Chica Castle, sometimes referred to as Palmeira Castle or Dona Chica Palace, is located in the town of Palmeira, part of the municipality of Braga. Situated on Rua da Igreja, this palatial building benefits from a unique setting, where the more urbanized street environment opens up to a vast surrounding property, characterized by dense vegetation.

Its position allows the castle, despite being close to the town center, to maintain an atmosphere of relative tranquility, framed by luxuriant woodland that gives it a distinct character in the landscape. It is a striking landmark in the area, easily identifiable by its unique silhouette.

A Distinct Architectural Vision

Designed by the Swiss architect Ernesto Korrodi, Dona Chica Castle is a remarkable example of an eclectic building, strongly inspired by the romantic style. Its architecture stands out due to a pronounced interplay of volumes, which combine through visual bridges and decorative elements, and the vast diversity of materials and languages employed.

Within the building, a fusion of references can be observed, from neo-Gothic and neo-Moorish to elements considered more "rustic," combining erudite and popular influences. Details such as the windows, which alternate between wood, iron, or a combination of both, the wrought-iron railings, the different floral motifs on the column capitals, and the geometrized rosettes in the ogival arches, reveal great attention to image and artistic detail. The tiles themselves, colored green and "signed" by the designer, seek integration with the landscape, contrasting with the audacity of the rest of the building.

Dona Chica Castle has been classified as a Property of Public Interest, recognizing its patrimonial and architectural relevance. This classification ensures the preservation of its exterior and facades, with restoration interventions that aim to faithfully replicate original elements showing degradation.

The Roots of Its History

The construction of Dona Chica Castle began in 1915, at the initiative of Francisca Peixoto de Sousa, a lady born in Brazil, who dreamed of a luxury residence. Many of the exotic tree species that now enrich the surrounding woodland were brought from her country of origin at her behest. However, works were interrupted as early as 1919, before completion, due to the owner's personal circumstances.

Over the following decades, the property passed through various hands and experienced periods of abandonment and degradation, which contributed to its aura of mystery and its unfinished appearance in certain phases. Despite the challenges and interruptions, its construction was eventually resumed, and the building was adapted for various functions over time, culminating in a requalification process aimed at safeguarding its historical and architectural importance for future generations.

The Romantic Garden Environment

The surroundings of Dona Chica Castle are marked by extensive woodland that complements the architectural beauty of the building. This green area is a true lung and a space for contemplation, characterized by the diversity of its flora, which includes both exotic species such as the Brazilian almond tree, pau-santo (holy wood), and Brazilian pine, as well as national varieties like oaks, plane trees, and chestnut trees.

The winding paths that meander through the vegetation invite exploration. One of the most emblematic points is the lake ensemble, which includes a grotto with false stalactites. This landscape arrangement reflects a romantic vision of nature, seeking to imitate the medieval period and preferring the spontaneity of the "woodland" to the formality of the Baroque garden, creating a setting of tranquility and charm.

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