Henriques Manor House

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Évora > Viana do Alentejo > Alcáçovas

Location

The Paço dos Henriques stands in the heart of the village of Alcáçovas, in the municipality of Viana do Alentejo, right in the Alentejo region. Its central position, next to Praça da República (Republic Square), makes it an immediate landmark, standing out in the town's urban fabric. Located on a gentle rise, the architectural complex blends harmoniously into the Alentejo landscape, inviting a peaceful visit through its interior and surroundings.

A Legacy of Centuries

Also known as Paço Real da Vila (Royal Palace of the Village) or Paço das Alcáçovas (Alcáçovas Palace), this historic monument dates back, in its origin, to the late 13th century, having been commissioned, according to tradition, by D. Dinis as one of the court's itinerant residences. Over the centuries, the palace and the lordship of Alcáçovas were intimately linked to the notable Henriques de Trastâmara family. The building we observe today is the result of an architectural evolution that extended to the tastes of the 16th century, with significant alterations and expansions in the 17th century, which gave it its current configuration, without, however, erasing the marks of its previous phases.

Setting for Royal Encounters

The Paço dos Henriques was the stage for moments of great importance for the History of Portugal and, in a way, of the world. Royal marriages were celebrated here, such as that of Infanta D. Isabel with D. João II of Castile in 1447, and that of Infanta D. Beatriz with Infante D. Fernando, Duke of Viseu, in 1457. The palace is especially famous for the signing of the Treaty of Alcáçovas-Toledo, on September 4, 1479. This historic document, which ended the War of the Castilian Succession, is often recognized as the first agreement to regulate the partition of overseas territories between European powers. Furthermore, D. João II drafted his will here in 1495, naming D. Manuel I as his successor to the Portuguese throne.

Architecture and the Art of Embrechados

The palace's architecture is a fascinating mix of styles, where one can observe Gothic features, elements of regional Manueline, Renaissance influences, and the notable Mudéjar art, visible in its embrechados. The complex includes the main house, with three floors and interior courtyards, and, separated by a path, the charming Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of Conception Chapel), originally dedicated to Saint Jerome. This chapel and its adjacent garden, known as the Jardim das Conchinhas (Garden of Little Shells), are particularly interesting for their unique decoration, where shells, conches, and 17th-century ceramics create a serene and unusual atmosphere, complemented by hydraulic elements and floors with Grenadine patterns.

A Revitalized Cultural Space

After a period of restoration and requalification completed in 2016, the Paço dos Henriques opened to the public as a dynamic cultural center. It now offers visitors the opportunity to explore various exhibition halls, including a permanent exhibition dedicated to the ancient art of chocalho (cowbell) making, classified by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The palace also features spaces for temporary exhibitions and an auditorium, hosting historical-cultural projects that contribute to the vitality of the village of Alcáçovas.

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