Oliveira Maya House

Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House / Stately Mansion

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Passeio Alegre

Location

Casa dos Oliveira Maya is located in the city of Porto, nestled in the charming Passeio Alegre area, which is part of the distinct Foz do Douro district. The building has a striking presence, bordered by Rua do Passeio Alegre, Rua Bela, and Travessa do Passeio Alegre. Its integration into the classified heritage properties of Foz Velha underscores its significance in the city's urban and heritage landscape.

A Singular Architecture

This 19th-century building stands out for its main facade, which features a neo-medieval style, with a notable influence from Tudor architecture. The composition is particularly interesting, with a slightly recessed central body, flanked by two imposing octagonal turrets rising three stories high. These elements lend Casa dos Oliveira Maya a strong and distinct visual identity.

Various eclectic decorative details can be observed, such as windows with stained glass at the entrance, openings crowned by ogee arches, and an elegant granite slab balcony, adorned with cast-iron railings. At the top of the central pediment, a coat of arms displays the founder's emblems, the olive tree of the Oliveira family and the eagle of the Maia family, adding a touch of heraldic symbolism. The exposed granite masonry on the main facade, in contrast to the other rendered elevations, highlights the richness of the materials and the care taken in its construction.

Legacy and Transformation

Casa dos Oliveira Maya was built in the 19th century under the patronage of Domingos de Oliveira Maya himself, who not only founded but also designed it. Conceived as a manorial residence, the house was intended to serve as a dwelling for a prominent family, reflecting their status and architectural tastes of the time.

Over the decades, the building remained in the family's possession, bearing witness to the history and lives of several generations. Later, in the second half of the 20th century, this house with a historic soul adapted to a new vocation, being used for educational purposes, housing a school. This transition illustrates the capacity of heritage to reinvent itself, remaining a pillar of interest and memory in the landscape of Foz do Douro.

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