Castle of Pirescouxe

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Lisboa > Loures > Pirescoxe > Bairro da Covina

Location

Located in the locality of Pirescoxe, in the municipality of Loures, the Castle of Pirescouxe stands in the area of Bairro da Covina. It is situated on a slightly elevated position, from where the course of the Tagus River could once be seen.

Originally surrounded by a predominantly rural environment, the manor house is now inserted into an urbanization developed in the 1990s. Its surroundings feature a small landscaped urban park, inviting a peaceful stroll and enjoyment of the local landscape.

Nature and Historical Origins

Although popularly known as a castle, the Castle of Pirescouxe is, in reality, a fortified manor house, typical of Portuguese nobility of the late Middle Ages. This peculiar edifice dates back to the 15th century, having been erected in 1442 by Nuno Vasques de Castelo Branco and his wife, Joana Juzarte, to serve as the family residence.

The property's name has uncertain origins, with some linking it to figures like Pero Escouche, or to an individual named Pires, known as "Pires Coxo" (Lame Pires). Regardless of its designation, this property was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1961, attesting to its historical and architectural relevance.

Architecture and Notable Aspects

The complex features a small, predominantly square plan. Despite its civil function, its architecture exhibits a fortified appearance, with a low wall, topped by battlements, enclosing the entire perimeter. This wall is reinforced by three square towers, also battlemented, which stand out due to their asymmetrical arrangement and their machicolations on corbels.

The interior of the edifice is organized around a central courtyard, from which the various residential areas were accessed. In the main body stood the Noble Hall, where a large fireplace can still be seen. There were also bedrooms, support areas, and a chapel, while domestic dependencies, such as kitchens and pantries, were located at the rear.

From Past to Cultural Present

After a period of abandonment and degradation that followed the end of the Castelo Branco lineage in the 17th century, the Castle of Pirescouxe was the subject of an extensive consolidation and recovery project in the early 21st century. This initiative, carried out by the Loures City Council, aimed to redevelop the manor house as a cultural space accessible to the public.

Currently, the Castle of Pirescouxe houses various cultural facilities, such as art galleries and an outdoor auditorium for events. Visitors can also explore a permanent exhibition that showcases the history of the site through archaeological finds recovered during restoration interventions.

The Legend of the Treasure

A local tradition adds a touch of mystery and intrigue to the Castle of Pirescouxe. Legend has it that, in its cellars, the treasure of D. Sebastião (King Sebastian) is hidden. This popular belief is fueled by the story of one of the manor house's former owners, who accompanied the king in the fateful Battle of Alcácer Quibir.

It is even said that the last owner of the property moved out because she could no longer tolerate being disturbed, during the night, by curious individuals searching for this legendary wealth. This fascinating story contributes to the charisma and mystique surrounding this remarkable fortified manor house.

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