Maiorca Manor House

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Museum

District: Coimbra > Figueira da Foz > Maiorca > Cruzes

Location

The Maiorca Palace stands in the locality of Maiorca, specifically in the Cruzes area, within the municipality of Figueira da Foz. It is located approximately twelve kilometers from the center of Figueira da Foz, in an area that still preserves the tranquility of the rural environment. In front of the palace's main facade, there is a large courtyard where one can circulate, complemented by a small garden with benches.

The property where the palace is situated is vast and offers large outdoor spaces, with gardens that invite moments of calm and contemplation of the surrounding nature.

Legacy and 18th-Century Architecture

This imposing palace, also known as the Palace of the Viscounts of Maiorca, was built in the 18th century. It reflects the influence of the Baroque style, evident in its architecture, from the main facade which, despite some asymmetry, stands out for its central portal, to the building's longitudinal plan. The Maiorca Palace was recognized as a Property of Public Interest in 1977, highlighting its historical and artistic importance in the national landscape.

The Artistic Treasures of the Interiors

Upon exploring the interior of the palace, a remarkable decorative richness is discovered. Many rooms are adorned with a significant collection of 18th-century tiles of Rococo inspiration. These panels depict a variety of scenes, from knights practicing equestrian exercises to representations of rural life, hunts, and moments related to wine transportation. The ceilings, many of them with ornate plasterwork, reveal elaborate paintings, with allegorical and figurative motifs.

One of the most curious spaces is the large octagonal kitchen, where tile panels picturesquely illustrate culinary scenes, offering a glimpse into daily life of the era. The chapel, dating back to the 16th century, houses an altar covered with gilded carving, attributed to the workshop of João de Ruão, and its walls are enriched with tiles from Flanders and frescoes.