Houses with Columns

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Guarda > Mêda > Marialva

Location

The Houses with Columns are situated in the picturesque locality of Marialva, in the municipality of Mêda, which in turn belongs to the district of Guarda. Nestled in the heart of this historic village, these granite constructions benefit from the medieval surroundings that characterize Marialva, with its narrow alleys and the imposing presence of the castle in the background. Their presence complements the urban landscape of the village, which rises on a promontory, providing a scenic and timeless environment.

The site is integrated into the ancient urban fabric of Marialva, surrounded by other granite buildings that compose the village's structure, allowing for an immersion into the traditional architecture and the unique atmosphere of this historic settlement.

Historical and Architectural Context

The construction of the Houses with Columns dates back to a period when Marialva flourished as an important center, demonstrating a concern for architecture and the social status of its inhabitants or the functions they performed. These structures are a testament to the village's constructive evolution, featuring elements that distinguish them from more vernacular dwellings.

The presence of columns in residential or semi-public buildings was sometimes an indicator of prosperity or a certain civic or commercial importance of the place, marking a phase of development and architectural refinement that diverged from the initial simplicity of local constructions.

Distinctive Architectural Elements

The most striking element of these constructions lies, as the name suggests, in their columns. Carved from the robust granite that is the predominant stone in Marialva, these columns often support arcades or balconies, creating a distinct visual rhythm in the facades.

Their presence lends a monumentality and elegance that sets these houses apart, suggesting uses that could range from stately homes to spaces with some public or commercial function on the ground floor. The solidity of the material and the formal simplicity of the columns reflect the region's construction artistry, integrating harmoniously into the rocky landscape of the village.

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