Villa Beatriz

Category: Civil Architecture > Small Palace

District: Braga > Póvoa de Lanhoso > Santo Emilião > Vila Seca

Location

Situated in Vila Seca, in the parish of Santo Emilião, municipality of Póvoa de Lanhoso, Villa Beatriz is located in an area of serene natural beauty.

This privileged location stands on the right bank of the Ave River, nestled within the picturesque wine-growing landscape that characterizes the Entre Douro e Minho region, offering views of the surrounding valley.

A History and a Symbol

The construction of Villa Beatriz dates back to the late 19th century, having been completed in 1906. The palace was commissioned by Francisco Antunes Guimarães as a tribute to his fiancée, Beatriz, who, sadly, died very young and never came to live in the house named after her.

The building is a notable example of "casas de brasileiro" (Brazilian's houses), constructions erected by emigrants who returned from Brazil after making their fortune, reflecting an architectural style and a taste for ostentation of the era. The Villa Beatriz complex was classified as a Monument of Public Interest in 2012, recognizing its significant heritage and cultural value.

Architecture and Refinement

This 19th-century palace stands out for its elegant architecture, with four floors that reveal meticulous attention to detail and material selection. The main facade is particularly distinctive, covered with light blue tiles and framed by four crenellated towers, giving it a singular presence.

On the exterior, granite work is visible throughout the building, and at the entrance, symbolic statues evoke the Arts and Industry. Inside, decorative elements of great refinement can be observed, such as hand-painted walls and ceilings, ample spaces, and luxurious furniture, part of which is original from the 19th century and meticulously preserved, transporting visitors to another era.

The Surrounding Gardens

Villa Beatriz is surrounded by extensive and well-maintained gardens, which invite a peaceful and contemplative stroll, in harmony with nature. In these green spaces, one finds boxwood parterres, lawns, and a rich variety of plants such as camellias, yews, and pruned cypresses, in addition to notable trees like copper beeches and acacias.

Pergolas adorned with white wisteria and rose bushes add a touch of color and aroma, while small ponds, one with an azulejo panel and another with the image of Saint Benedict, complement the landscape. The gardens also offer stunning views over the Ave River, providing a serene environment and a deep connection with the surrounding Minho landscape.

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