Lamas Manor Ensemble / Lamas Estate, (agricultural outbuildings, courtyard, garden and vegetable garden) / Canavarros House / House of the Viscounts of Lamas / House of the Viscounts of Roriz (Dr. Manuel Pereira da Silva Street)

Category: Civil Architecture > Farm

District: Porto > Porto > Porto

Location

The Solar de Lamas Estate is located within the urban area of Porto, specifically in the Paranhos district. Although it is now surrounded by the city's dynamism, with the proximity of institutions such as the University of Porto, its original layout and size recall a past when it was situated in a rural setting, preserving the memory of its function as a manor estate.

Historical and Noble Legacy

This remarkable estate has its roots in foundations presumed to date back to the 11th century, with the manor house itself being built in the 18th century, thus marking a long history. Over the centuries, it was known by various names, such as the House of Canavarros, and later, the House of the Viscountesses of Lamas and the House of the Viscountesses of Roriz, names that attest to the illustrious families who inhabited it and its importance in Porto society. In 1977, the property was acquired by the State, and in the past, its use to house the Museum of the History of Medicine was considered, a project that, however, never came to fruition.

Architectural Features and Distinctive Elements

The manor house's architecture reveals a U-shaped layout, spanning two floors and covered with clay tile roofs. The main façade, marked by its sobriety, is enhanced by an elegant double staircase leading to the noble floor, highlighting the grandeur of the construction. The upper floor features windows, while the ground floor is punctuated by doors opening to the outside. A distinctive detail on the façade is the contemporary tile wainscoting, which adds an artistic touch to the building. Within the estate, a chapel stands out, with a discreet decoration that includes a triangular pediment and a cross on top. The entrance gate providing access to the estate's courtyard displays a coat of arms, a symbol of the first owners and the lineage that resided there. The property also includes agricultural outbuildings, a yard, a garden, and a vegetable garden, elements that hark back to its original function and the self-sufficiency that characterized these large estates.

Classified Heritage and Current Surroundings

Recognizing its undeniable historical and architectural value, the Solar de Lamas Estate has been classified as a Property of Public Interest (IIP) since 1996, which ensures its legal protection and the recognition of its status as relevant heritage for the city of Porto. Although the main building is in a state of disrepair, it stands as an important testament to the region's manorial architecture. Part of the vast property was transformed into a public park by the University of Porto, inaugurated in 2015, offering the community leisure areas and paths that allow for the enjoyment of the natural surroundings that once characterized this space.

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