Bela Vista Barracks

Category: Civil Architecture > Barracks

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Lameira

Location

The Bela Vista Barracks stands in Lameira, in the city of Porto, on one of its highest elevations. This privileged position, with an unobstructed view of the surrounding urban landscape, gives particular significance to its name. The area in which it is situated, once part of the old parish of Campanhã, still retains significant green spaces, which were once an attraction for affluent families from the Douro region, seduced by the tranquility and the scenery.

A Multifaceted History

The building that today houses the Bela Vista Barracks has a rich and multifaceted history, with roots in the early 20th century. The site originally corresponded to Quinta da Bela Vista, a private property that was acquired and annexed to other plots by José de Oliveira Lima, a renowned university professor. In its early years, the complex was intended to be an ambitious educational establishment, known as the Instituto Moderno. Inaugurated in 1914, the project stood out for the quality of its facilities and the application of innovative pedagogical and hygienic principles for the time, although its operation as a school was short-lived.

Architectural Design

The architecture of the Bela Vista Barracks is a remarkable example of the early 20th century, with the project being the responsibility of architect José Marques da Silva. Its construction is based on robust granite stone walls and brick partitions, complemented by plastered and whitewashed finishes that harmonize with rounded corners and angles, giving it a distinct and elegant profile. Inside, the floors, window frames, and doors were predominantly made of pine and chestnut wood, while spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms featured tile coverings and mosaic floors. The roof, in turn, combined "Marseille" type tiles on the main body with slate over the gymnasium.

Classified Heritage

After a brief period of use as a hospital section in 1918, due to a typhus epidemic, the building was acquired by the Republican National Guard in 1919, which has used it as a barracks ever since. This imposing architectural specimen was classified as a Monument of Public Interest in 2010, a recognition of its historical and architectural relevance to the city. This distinction highlights the importance of a place that, from its genesis as an innovative educational institution to its current function, reflects part of the urban and social evolution of Porto.

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