House of the Viscountess of Santiago de Lobão

Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House / Stately Mansion

District: Porto > Porto > Porto

Location

Situated in the city of Porto, on Avenida da Boavista, the Casa da Viscondessa de Santiago de Lobão occupies a vast, isolated plot. Although embedded within an urban environment, its position makes it stand out, offering a haven of tranquility within the parish of Lordelo do Ouro and Massarelos, in the western part of the city.

History and Legacy

This remarkable mansion was built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, at the initiative of the Viscount of Santiago de Lobão, a man who made his fortune in Brazil and returned to his homeland. The property was home to the Viscount and Viscountess, D. Maria da Piedade de Castro e Sampaio. With no descendants, the Viscountess of Santiago de Lobão donated the house, after her husband's death, to a charitable institution, ensuring a philanthropic purpose for her estate. This gesture marked the transition of the mansion from a wealthy residence to a space dedicated to social support, preserving an assistive vocation for much of its existence.

An Example of Art Nouveau Architecture

The architecture of the Casa da Viscondessa is a testament to the Art Nouveau style, characterized by a rectangular floor plan and distinct volumes, harmoniously articulated by its roofs. The mansion, with a main floor, a semi-basement floor, and a mansard attic, features eaves supported by worked wood and a glazed rear facade with a cast-iron structure. The interior of the building reveals the decorative richness of Art Nouveau in elements such as elaborate stucco, mural paintings, and tile panels, which reflect the opulence of the era. Its architectural and historical relevance was officially recognized by its classification as an Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest).

The Gardens and Their Natural Charm

Surrounding the mansion is an exuberant garden, a true green oasis in the heart of the city. This space stands out for its variety of large trees and rare plants, many of them of tropical origins, such as oaks, plane trees, beeches, jacarandas, hibiscus, and magnolias. Its configuration and botanical diversity invite moments of contemplation and serenity, complementing the architectural grandeur of the mansion and offering a unique perspective on the property's environment.

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