Royal Tapada

Category: Nature > Woodland

District: Évora > Vila Viçosa > Vila Viçosa

Location

Tapada Real is situated northeast of the town of Vila Viçosa, integrated into the slopes of the Estremoz platform. It is characterized by gently undulating terrain, with valleys and plateaus, punctuated by rocky outcrops. This extensive area is delimited by an imposing wall, approximately three meters high and more than seventeen kilometers in perimeter, which separates it from the surrounding landscape, creating a distinct and reserved environment. Its cut-stone gates provide access to this vast property.

Within its boundaries, Tapada is traversed by several watercourses, such as the Águas Férreas, Borba, and Albufeira streams, which contribute to its scenic and environmental richness, including a remarkable reservoir that offers a point of great natural beauty.

A Historical Legacy

Tapada Real has its origins in the 16th century, around 1515, when it was established by D. Jaime, the 4th Duke of Bragança. Initially conceived as a vast hunting preserve, it became an exclusive space for the House of Braganza, intended for both hunting activities and agricultural and livestock production. Over the centuries, and particularly in the 17th century, Tapada experienced a period of great splendor, with the creation of lakes, fountains, orchards, and gardens that enriched its landscape.

This place witnessed the presence of important royal figures, such as King D. Sebastian and D. John V, and was a chosen refuge for the Portuguese royal family, especially for D. Carlos. The last known photograph of the Portuguese Royal Family, dated 1908, was captured in this serene setting, giving it significant historical and symbolic value in the memory of the Portuguese monarchy.

Heritage and Natural Environment

The Tapada Real area is divided into two main sections: Tapada de Cima, closer to the town, and Tapada de Baixo, where the main building is located. Exploring Tapada de Cima, one discovers a variety of built elements, such as small houses and chapels, including the Hermitage of São Jerónimo, situated at the highest point, offering views over the surrounding landscape. Also notable is the old Hermitage of São Eustáquio, which served as a watchtower, providing a viewpoint with expansive vistas over the entire Tapada and beyond its limits.

In Tapada de Baixo, we find the Manor House (Paço), a stately residence, and the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora de Belém. Near the Manor House, there is an old touril, a walled enclosure where bull branding and running took place. Along the paths, it is possible to discover historic springs like the Fonte das Águas Férreas and the Fonte do Castanheiro, as well as the enigmatic Moon Marker (Marco da Lua), a stone with a carved moon associated with ancient traditions. The predominant flora is the montado, with cork oaks and holm oaks, and the fauna includes a population of deer, which keeps alive its original vocation as a hunting preserve.

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