Pharmacy House

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Marco de Canaveses > Alpendurada

Location

Casa da Botica is located in Alpendurada, a village that is part of the municipality of Marco de Canaveses. Set in a predominantly rural environment, this property is in harmony with the natural landscape of the Tâmega and Sousa region. Its location reflects how old manorial and agricultural houses were integrated into the territory, maintaining a strong connection to rural life and local communities.

A Name with History

The peculiar name of this place, "Casa da Botica" (House of the Apothecary), derives from the fact that a community pharmacy, then called a "botica" (apothecary/dispensary), operated here for part of the 18th century. This unique detail highlights the property's importance to the community's life in bygone days, as they found access to essential products there. The oldest part of the house is a rural structure dating back to 1701, marking its origin as an agricultural farmstead that evolved significantly over the centuries.

The Imposing Portico

The most notable architectural element of Casa da Botica is its emblazoned entrance portico. Erected in the first half of the 19th century, this Baroque-style portal is entirely built of granite. It is characterized by its symmetry, supported by four pilasters that frame a depressed arch. Above, a broken pediment crowns the ensemble, displaying a coat of arms. This coat of arms, with its ecclesiastical symbolism, including a hat and tassels, and a shield with references to ancient family lineages, not only adorns the facade but also tells part of the history of its former owners, serving as a monumental entrance to the house's inner courtyard.

A Preserved Legacy

The history of Casa da Botica is a testament to the evolution of a large Portuguese rural estate. Over time, the house and its adjacent lands adapted to different eras, reflecting the social and agricultural transformations of the region. Although it faced periods of lesser visibility and conservation, the robustness of its stone walls allowed the original edifice to endure. A significant restoration program, carried out between 1971 and 1982, was essential to preserve this historic house, ensuring that its distinctive features, such as the old irrigation systems or the very scope of its agricultural past, could be understood and valued today.

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