House of the Vines Set, House of the Lower Cart Track, House of the Stony Ground, House of Juzãm, House of the Upper Cart Track, and House of the Afreita

Category: Civil Architecture > Ensemble

District: Porto > Lousada > Nevogilde > Carreiro

Location

Situated in Carreiro, within the picturesque locality of Nevogilde, this cluster of buildings is located in the municipality of Lousada, Porto district. The surroundings are typically rural, characterized by a verdant landscape where agricultural fields and vineyards intertwine harmoniously, reflecting the region's winemaking tradition.

The site offers an environment of tranquility, away from urban agitation, inviting contemplation of Minho rural life and the discovery of a built heritage deeply integrated into the natural landscape.

Architectural Characterization

The "Conjunto Casa das Vinhas, Casa do Carreiro de Baixo, Casa do Pedregal, Casa de Juzãm, Casa do Carreiro de Cima e Casa da Afreita" represents a remarkable example of rural civil architecture, comprising several buildings that, collectively, tell a story of local occupation and development. These houses, distinct yet interconnected by their location and, at times, by their function, form a microcosm of agrarian life.

The constructions, typically erected with local materials such as granite, exhibit a robust and functional simplicity, characteristic of popular and traditional Minho architecture. Although each house may have its particularities, the cluster reveals a constructive evolution over time, reflecting the needs and ways of life of the communities that inhabited them.

Heritage and Rural Environment

This cluster of houses is not merely a group of buildings; it is a living testament to the centuries-old relationship between man and land in Lousada. The name "Casa das Vinhas" (House of the Vineyards) suggests a direct link to wine production, an economic and cultural activity of great relevance in Northern Portugal.

By observing this cluster, visitors can understand how rural communities organized and built their living and working spaces, maintaining a deep connection with the surrounding natural environment and preserving the identity of a region with a strong agricultural inclination. The visit provides an immersion into the genuine atmosphere of the Portuguese countryside.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_da_Afreita

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