Category: Civil Architecture > Building
Casa das Figuras is located at the western entrance to the city of Faro, within the civil parish of Faro (Sé and São Pedro). It is situated in an urban area near the historic centre, in a zone that combines the tranquility of less busy streets with proximity to the city's cultural and administrative spaces.
This building is part of the complex that houses the Teatro das Figuras, a local cultural landmark, yet it remains distinct due to its unique architecture and historical context. The urban surroundings allow for easy appreciation of its façade, making it a point of curiosity for passers-by.
The most notable feature of Casa das Figuras is its 18th-century façade, distinguished by a very particular mass ornamentation. This includes two monstrous figures superimposed by a human figure, in a composition that gives the building a unique and intriguing appearance. This decoration reveals the Baroque taste and symbolism of the period, reflecting the ecclesiastical and social influence of the era.
These sculptural figures, in addition to their aesthetic value, suggest a symbolic or protective connection, a common characteristic in 18th-century architecture, especially in buildings associated with prestigious families or local authorities.
Casa das Figuras was originally a granary belonging to Solar da Horta do Ourives, also known as Solar do Capitão Mor. This neighbouring manor belonged to a local elite, and the granary served to support their economic and agricultural activities.
It was the judge (desembargador) Veríssimo de Mendonça Manuel who commissioned the decorative figures on both Casa das Figuras and the Celeiro de São Francisco, revealing an aesthetic and symbolic concern that went beyond the mere functionality of the building.
Since 1978, Casa das Figuras has been classified as a Building of Public Interest (Imóvel de Interesse Público), which recognises its historical and architectural importance for the city of Faro and the Algarve region. This status protects the building and ensures the preservation of its cultural and artistic value.
Although it currently integrates into the Teatro das Figuras complex, which houses the Municipal Theatre of Faro, Casa das Figuras maintains its own identity, serving as a material testimony to an era and a particular aesthetic, as well as being a symbol of local history.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_das_Figuras
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.02611,-7.945385
Coordinates DMS: 37°01'34.0"N 07°56'43.4"W
Weather Faro
On-duty Pharmacy Faro
