Azevedo Manor House

Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House

District: Braga > Barcelos > Lama > Azevedo

Location

Located in the serene village of Lama, in the municipality of Barcelos, Solar dos Azevedos is situated in a predominantly rural landscape. Surrounded by extensive cultivated fields, orchards, and gardens, the manor offers an atmosphere of tranquility and isolation, nestled at the foot of Mount Facho.

The Tower and Sixteenth-Century Architecture

Solar dos Azevedos stands out for its imposing sixteenth-century tower, one of the most notable examples of a tower house in Northern Portugal. This monumental structure reflects the conservative style of domestic architecture in the region, which retained medieval features throughout the 16th century. The tower, crowned by chamfered merlons, incorporates an unusual balcony window on its exterior facade, revealing one of the few Italianate Renaissance influences visible in this type of Northern Portuguese construction, which here appears as a singular decorative element.

The Evolution of a Heritage

Although the tower dates back to a period before 1536, Solar dos Azevedos is an architectural complex that has evolved significantly over the centuries. In the 18th century, a residential wing was added to the tower, distinguished by its elegant colonnaded balcony, opening onto the garden, and by its eaves adorned with merlons and ornamental pyramids. Later, in the 19th century, the building housing the main entrance was constructed, completing the built complex.

Inside the tower, particularly interesting is the noble hall, whose walls are richly covered with azulejos depicting scenes of the Azevedo family's exploits. The ceiling, a true work of art in gilded and polychrome wood, rests on carved corbels, whose initial sections retain a curious archaic character reminiscent of medieval ribbed ceilings, providing a fascinating visual journey through the manor's history.

The Historic Gardens

The surroundings of Solar dos Azevedos are as significant as the building itself. Its historic gardens, which contribute to the serene atmosphere of the place, were subject to a notable landscape recovery project in 1983, led by architect Ilídio de Araújo. This meticulous work allowed for the preservation of harmony between nature and architecture, making the outdoor space a valuable complement to a visit to the manor, inviting contemplation of the verdant landscape that embraces it.

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