Mitra Estate

Category: Civil Architecture > Estate

District: Évora > Évora > Herdade da Mitra > Quinta do Paço de Valverde

Location

Herdade da Mitra extends over a vast and serene area, located a few kilometers from the city of Évora. This location allows for an immersive experience in the tranquility of the Alentejo landscape, while maintaining proximity to an urban center of historical and cultural significance. The estate is integrated into an environment that combines centuries of legacy with the vitality of a space now dedicated to research and knowledge.

Historical Legacy

The history of Herdade da Mitra dates back to the 16th century, when it originated as Quinta do Paço de Valverde, a place created by the diocese of Évora to serve as a retreat and rest for its cardinals and archbishops. It was in this space that the Episcopal Palace was built, of which original structures still survive. Around 1544, Cardinal-King D. Henrique, a central figure in the foundation of the University of Évora, ordered the construction of the Convent of Bom Jesus de Valverde, intended to house monks of the Capuchin Order. Over the centuries, and after the extinction of religious orders in 1834, the estate underwent several transformations, later becoming an agricultural teaching hub before being integrated into the current University of Évora.

Built and Natural Heritage

At Herdade da Mitra, visitors can observe a remarkable set of elements that reflect its rich history and the natural beauty of the place. Besides the remains of the Episcopal Palace and the Convent of Bom Jesus de Valverde, whose chapel and cloister are recognized as public interest properties –, the broader area of the former Quinta do Paço de Valverde contains other points of interest. Among them are several small chapels, the Garden of Jericho, with its tank and a central statue, and an aqueduct built in the 17th century, part of a complex hydraulic system. A boxwood garden and the walls that structure the site complement the architectural landscape, creating an environment of great cultural and scenic value.

Environment and Biodiversity

With an area of approximately 290 hectares, Herdade da Mitra offers remarkable landscape diversity. The agricultural area is characterized by extensive cork oak and holm oak woodlands, which coexist with scrubland and pastures. There are also olive groves, pine forests, and vineyards, in addition to a vegetable garden and an orchard. The area surrounding the Valverde stream, once a hunting preserve, reveals an exceptional richness of flora and fauna. This set of habitats makes Herdade da Mitra a true natural laboratory, where the interaction between human activity and environmental conservation can be understood and appreciated.

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