Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Évora > Viana do Alentejo > Alcáçovas
The Paço dos Henriques is located in the heart of the village of Alcáçovas, belonging to the municipality of Viana do Alentejo. Situated next to Praça da República, the main building stands on a gentle elevation, offering a striking presence in the center of the locality. Accompanying the Palace, but separated by a picturesque street, is a historic garden and a chapel, elements that complete this built complex.
This remarkable architectural complex, classified as a Property of Public Interest, has its roots in an old Royal Palace, founded in the 13th century, possibly by order of D. Dinis. Throughout the centuries, the Paço dos Henriques witnessed crucial moments in the history of Portugal and Europe, standing out as the stage for important diplomatic and matrimonial acts of royalty.
It was in its halls that, in 1479, the Treaty of Alcáçovas-Toledo was celebrated, a peace agreement between Portugal and Castile that not only ended a dynastic conflict but also established the first division of known overseas territories, defining spheres of influence that shaped maritime expansion. Furthermore, the Palace hosted nuptial contracts of royal figures and was the place where D. João II drafted his will, naming D. Manuel I as successor, moments that inseparably link this space to the destiny of the Portuguese crown.
The architecture of the Paço dos Henriques reveals a fascinating evolution of styles, integrating regional Gothic and Manueline elements with Renaissance features and, notably, influences of Mudéjar art. This fusion of eras and trends reflects successive construction campaigns, particularly those undertaken by the Henriques family, the town's donatories, in the 17th century.
One of the highlights of the Palace is its walled garden, locally nicknamed "Jardim das Conchinhas" (Little Shell Garden), and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, originally dedicated to São Jerónimo. Both spaces date from the first decades of the 17th century and are renowned for their unique decoration in embrechados. This technique, which consists of the inlay of fragments of shells, conches, and ceramics, lends the environment an atmosphere of serenity and rare beauty, enriched by elements such as wells, waterwheels, and conversation windows, which invite contemplation.
After a recovery and restoration process completed in 2016, the Paço dos Henriques opened its doors to the public, establishing itself today as a dynamic cultural center. The building houses various functions, including exhibition spaces that showcase the rich history of the Palace and the region. Of note is an area dedicated to the art of cowbell making, an Alentejo tradition recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, highlighting the Palace's connection to local and global cultural heritage.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.395231,-8.1548085
Coordinates DMS: 38°23'42.8"N 08°09'17.3"W
Weather Alcáçovas
On-duty Pharmacy Alcáçovas
