Convention House

Category: Civil Architecture > House

District: Évora > Estremoz > Évora Monte

Location:

The Convention House is located in the village of Évora Monte, in the municipality of Estremoz. This building is situated on one of the village's historic arteries, which today bears the name Rua da Convenção (Convention Street), precisely in homage to the event that took place there. The house is integrated into Évora Monte's traditional and relatively simple urban fabric, being easily identifiable within the residential core.

A Stage of Portuguese History

This place is notable for having been the stage for one of the most decisive moments in Portugal's contemporary history. It was here, on May 26, 1834, that the signing of the so-called Convention of Évoramonte took place. This peace treaty sealed the end of the civil war that pitted the liberal and absolutist factions against each other, a conflict that profoundly marked the country in the early decades of the 19th century.

The signing of the Convention resulted in the definitive triumph of the Liberal cause in Portugal, paving the way for the consolidation of a new political and social regime. The house, in its apparent modesty, thus assumes immense symbolic and historical value as the point where peace was re-established after years of fratricidal struggle.

The Marble Testimony

To mark the importance of this building and the event that occurred within it, a commemorative plaque is affixed to the main facade. This plaque, made of white marble from the quarries of the Estremoz region, displays a concise and direct inscription. In dark letters, it recalls that it was "IN THIS HOUSE OF JOAQUIM ANTÓNIO SARAMAGO THE CONVENTION OF EVORAMONTE WAS SIGNED WHICH RESTORED PEACE IN PORTUGAL", indicating the date of May 26, 1834.

The placement of this plaque was a later initiative, carried out by the property owner in the early 20th century during renovation works. Its objective was to ensure that the memory of this fundamental event would be perpetuated at the exact location where everything unfolded, replacing a previous, less impactful sign.

Architecture and Original Context

From an architectural point of view, the Convention House reflects the regional and rural construction characteristic of the era and the area. It is a rectangular-plan building, with two floors, constructed with typical masonry, without elaborate decorative elements or prominent stonework. The main facade features a simple configuration, with the ground-level entrance door and two windows on the upper floor, one of which is small in size.

At the time of the Convention's signing, the house was owned by Joaquim António Dias Saramago. In addition to being a local doctor, Saramago served as the municipality administrator and, in the year following the treaty, was the Judge of the Village's Common Granary. It was, therefore, a prominent location and figure in the local community that hosted the parties involved at the end of the civil war.

Preservation and Future

Recently, the Convention House has undergone rehabilitation and conservation works. These interventions aim to preserve the physical integrity of the historic building, ensuring its maintenance for future generations. In addition to conservation, the works have prepared the space for a new life.

There is an intention for the Convention House to function as a reception point for visitors to the village of Évora Monte and, simultaneously, as an interpretive centre dedicated to the 1834 Convention. This future use will allow for a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the location and the event that occurred there, enhancing this important heritage.

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