Category: Civil Architecture > Farm
District: Castelo Branco > Fundão > Vale de Prazeres > Vale de Prazeres e Mata da Rainha
The Solar Pinto de Castello Branco, also known as Casa Pinto, is located in the village of Vale de Prazeres, in the municipality of Fundão. It is situated in the area of Vale de Prazeres and Mata da Rainha, forming part of the urban fabric of the locality. The property extends in terraces, with its gardens developing uphill, culminating at the highest point with the presence of the historic chapel.
This secular house boasts a history spanning over six hundred years. Its origin dates back to the 14th century, shortly after the Battle of Aljubarrota, and it is intrinsically linked to the Pinto de Castello Branco family, who maintained it over generations. The manor is a testament to the passage of time and the experiences that shaped the Beira Baixa region.
Interestingly, during recent restoration works, a hiding place was discovered within the house's structure, a find that adds a layer of mystery to its past and suggests the antiquity of some of its original parts.
The structure of the manor reflects its evolution over the centuries. Spaces once dedicated to agricultural and service functions, such as the old areas for animal overnight stays ('lojas'), have been maintained and integrated into the property. Outside, a traditional element stands out: a 'coberto', which corresponds to a covered threshing floor whose wooden framework was restored, respecting ancient construction techniques.
The grounds surrounding the house have been transformed into gardens that evoke the style of 18th and 19th-century country estates. These green spaces are notable for their maidenhair ferns, rose bushes, large trees, stone walls, and designed plant formations, being irrigated by a system of levadas (irrigation channels) and reservoirs that demonstrate the importance of water in this environment.
At the top of the property, there is an element of special interest: the chapel, which includes a portal believed to date back to the 13th century. This portal has a particular historical significance, as it gives the quinta (country estate) its name ("Quinta da Porta", Estate of the Gate/Door). There is an interpretation that this portal could have been one of the easternmost access points in the Serra da Gardunha area during the period of the Templar presence or later.
Inside the chapel, traces such as a stone of Roman origin and inscriptions weathered by time can be observed. The serene environment around the chapel, marked by tranquility and the landscape, invites pause and reflection.
Sources: https://www.quintadaporta.pt/pt/pagina/historia
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.111512125049735, -7.430560667204789
Coordinates DMS: 40°06'41.4"N 07°25'50.0"W
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