Tapada Gate / São Bento in Vila Viçosa

Category: Civil Architecture > Gate

District: Évora > Vila Viçosa > Vila Viçosa > São Bento

Location

Northeast of Vila Viçosa, Conceição.

Main Access

Main entrance of Tapada Real, connected to the Ducal Palace.

Division

Upper Tapada (close to the city, with houses, lime kiln and chapels) and Lower Tapada (with the main palace and a chapel).

Function

Space for agricultural production, animal breeding, and leisure.

History

Started by D. Jaime, 4th Duke of Bragança, around 1515.

Extension

18 walled kilometers, with chapels, fountains, and a 16th century house.

Ecosystem

Several water courses, rich fauna with wild boars and deer.

Gates

Six main gates, including Porta de São Bento and Porta Real.

Importance

One of the first hunting preserves in Portugal, preserves original features and offers a distinct landscape.

Sources: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Entrada_da_Tapada_Real_de_Vila_Viçosa_-_Portugal_(11311162786).jpg

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