Manor House of Casal dos Cavaleiros

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Porto > Vila do Conde > Casal dos Cavaleiros > Bagunte, Ferreiró, Outeiro Maior e Parada

Location

Situated in Outeiro Maior, near the highway connecting Vila Nova de Famalicão to Vila do Conde, the Paço do Casal dos Cavaleiros is a historical monument in the municipality of Vila do Conde, classified as a Monument of Public Interest since 2013.

History and Construction

The original construction dates back to the late 15th century, conceived by D. Martim Ferreira, founder of the Morgado dos Cavaleiros. The current appearance of the palace dates from the 16th century, when it was reformed and became the property of the Knights of Outeiro Maior.

State of Conservation

Currently, the palace is in fragile preservation conditions, which reinforces its historical character but limits access to certain parts of the building.

Cultural References

The writer Agustina Bessa-Luís mentions this location in several of her works, including Antes do Degelo and Dentes de Rato, portraying the atmosphere and history of the palace and the family that lived there.

Architectural Features

The main facade, facing east, reflects the architecture of the noble houses of the time. Noteworthy are the doors on the upper floor, with balcony-style railings, and the imposing stone-railed staircase, which provided access to the noble floor of the house. Further north, the structure opens onto a viewpoint overlooking the fields, supported by columns.

The Tower

A robust stately tower still remains, though altered over the centuries. This tower, with thick walls, is one of the oldest elements and testifies to the noble past of the palace.

Chapel

Attached to the palace, the chapel stands out for its neoclassical-style carving, still visible but at risk of ruin. In the past, the chapel was possibly larger than the parish church itself, attracting many local faithful, especially from Corvos (Bagunte).

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

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