Category: Civil Architecture > Palace
District: Évora > Évora > São Bento do Mato > Azarujinha
The Palace of the Count of Azarujinha is located in Azarujinha, an area belonging to the locality of São Bento do Mato, in the municipality of Évora. Set within an Alentejo landscape, the palace is situated in an area where, in times past, free fairs were held. Complementing the built ensemble, and across a small street, stands its palatial church, an element that completes the atmosphere of the place.
This palace is an exemplar of 19th-century neoclassical architecture. It is characterized by its sober lines and the composition of a single floor above the ground floor, revealing elegant discretion. Its structure, though simple, harmonizes with its surroundings. The palatial church, located a short distance away, is an integral part of this architectural ensemble, sharing the aesthetic that defines the palace and contributing to its identity.
The Palace of the Count of Azarujinha holds a notable connection to the Liberal Wars, a crucial period in Portuguese history. Local tradition points to one of its halls as the location where the Headquarters of D. Pedro IV's army was established. It is believed that it was in this palace that the surrender document imposed on King D. Miguel in May 1834, after the battles of Arraiolos and Vimieiro, was drafted and signed. From this point, the war envoys would have departed for Évoramonte Castle, where the Convention that ended this conflict was signed.
Beyond its historical importance in the context of the Liberal Wars, the palace is associated with a significant social legacy left by the Count of Azarujinha. In the late 19th century, this Count became known for having divided one of his properties into approximately two hundred small plots, designated "courelas". These were distributed between the parish of São Bento do Mato itself and the neighboring parish of São Miguel de Machede. This initiative's main objective was to settle the population in the region, demonstrating a remarkable vision for the development and well-being of the local community.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.70061531558906, -7.78364925544304
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'2.2"N 07°47'1.1"W
On-duty Pharmacy São Bento do Mato
