Old Town Hall

Category: Civil Architecture > House

District: Évora > Estremoz > Évora Monte

Location

The Old Town Hall, sometimes referred to as the House of the Alcaide-Mor, is located in the locality of Évora Monte, a parish belonging to the municipality of Estremoz, in the district of Évora. This position allows visitors to absorb the traditional atmosphere and the unique layout of this Alentejo village, immersed in a setting of historic buildings that shape its unique landscape.

History and Function

Built in the mid-15th century, around 1450, this house owes its construction to D. Sancho de Noronha. Its historical relevance lies in the fact that it served as the palace for Alcaides-Mores, figures of great importance in the local administration of the time. Over the centuries, the building witnessed the life and transformations of the locality, although it was abandoned in the early 20th century and, for many years, was reduced to its main facade, a solitary testament to its imposing past.

Architectural Particularities and Preservation

Although its interior is in ruins, the architectural value of the Old Town Hall resides remarkably in its facade. This is distinguished by transitional elements between styles, namely Manueline and Mudéjar, as well as occasional Renaissance and Neoclassical interventions. The main portal, made of marble, displays the art of the Manueline style. On the upper floor, a double window, adorned with botanical motifs, and an 18th-century balcony complement its unique aesthetic. It is important to note that, in 2021, the facade was carefully removed as part of a rehabilitation project. Its future reconstruction and reconfiguration are foreseen, using its original elements, thus ensuring its preservation for future generations and the maintenance of the site's memory.

Heritage Significance

Classified as a National Monument, the Old Town Hall is a fundamental element of the heritage of Évora Monte and the municipality of Estremoz. Although its interior is not currently accessible, external observation of its structure allows for appreciation of the history and art that shaped this specific region of Alentejo. It represents a landmark of 16th-century civil architecture and subsequent adaptations, symbolizing the historical wealth and the continuous valorization of the region's built heritage.

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