Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Portela do Mondego > Quinta da Portela
The Quinta da Portela Palace is located in the town of Portela do Mondego, in the municipality of Coimbra. Situated on the right bank of the River Mondego, the palace enjoys a setting that, historically, positioned it as a significant passage point in the region. Although its original rural isolation has, in part, given way to recent surrounding urbanization, the property maintains its distinct demarcation and character.
Also known as the Palace of the Marquises of Pomares, this building is recognized for its heritage value. It was classified as a Monument of Public Interest in 2015, a status that underscores its cultural and historical importance. The current construction, dating back to the late 18th or early 19th century, resulted from a rebuilding over an earlier house, whose origins can be traced back to the 14th century. The 19th-century intervention incorporated the romantic ideals of the period, visible in its overall aesthetic.
The palace structure features a closed 'U'-shaped plan, with two floors and differentiated roof coverings. The main facade reveals an ornate gate leading to an upper balcony, which is topped by a coat of arms of the Costas and Britos families. Flanking it, balconies with triangular and curved pediments are observed, a motif repeated on the south facade. On the east facade, a balcony supported by Doric columns stands out, adding a classic touch to the ensemble.
After the main gate, one accesses a vestibule whose pebble floor, with designs formed by two colors, is a notable element. This space opens into an interior courtyard around which the building develops. In the front body, aligned with the entrance gate, is the chapel. Its portal is framed by a lintel, volutes, and an oculus, culminating in a curved pediment adorned with a trilobed stone cross. Inside, the chapel has a nave and chancel, with a highlight being the polychrome and gilded wooden altarpiece. Some rooms of the palace preserve paintings that reflect the artistic sensibility of the period.
The surroundings of the palace are enriched by a garden that extends in front of the main facade, marked by a central lake that contributes to the serenity of the space. The property also includes a woodland with paths that invite a tranquil exploration. Its proximity to the River Mondego provides a natural and pleasant environment, evoking the picturesque landscape that, in other times, hosted the activity of washerwomen, once a lively part of the riverside scenery.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.1845576,-8.4019932
Coordinates DMS: 40°11'4.4"N 08°24'7.2"W
Weather Portela do Mondego
On-duty Pharmacy Portela do Mondego
