Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Santarém > Alpiarça > Alpiarça
The Casa-Museu dos Patudos is located in the town of Alpiarça, in the heart of Ribatejo. It is situated a little distance from the town center, set within the grounds of the old Quinta dos Patudos.
The main building is surrounded by its own gardens, which contributes to a tranquil and secluded atmosphere, typical of a prosperous country house. The rear facade of the house aligns with the main road that crosses this area.
This remarkable building was the residence of the well-known politician and art collector José Relvas, built at the beginning of the 20th century, between 1905 and 1909. It was by José Relvas's express wish, stated in his will of 1929, that the house and its valuable contents were bequeathed to the municipality of Alpiarça to be transformed into a museum accessible to the public.
After a few years, the Casa dos Patudos finally opened its doors as a museum in 1960, fulfilling its founder's wish to preserve and share his legacy. The property is recognized for its historical and artistic value, being classified as a Property of Public Interest.
The Casa dos Patudos is a significant work by the architect Raul Lino, an important figure in 20th-century Portuguese architecture. His design for this residence, dated 1904, sought to materialize the ideal of the "Portuguese House" ("Casa à Portuguesa"), valuing traditional elements and adapting them to a modern and comfortable dwelling for the time.
The architecture is distinguished by the organization of its interior spaces and the presence of verandas and arcaded covered galleries, such as the gallery in the west wing with its Neo-Romanesque inspired arches. These features, visible on the facade facing a courtyard, were designed to ensure family privacy. The exterior design is more restrained, creating an interesting contrast with the richness and functionality of the interiors.
The interior of the Casa dos Patudos houses an extensive and diverse collection assembled by José Relvas throughout his life. As one explores it, a rich variety of art pieces and decorative elements are discovered, from painting and sculpture to applied arts, such as furniture, ceramics, porcelain, tilework, and textiles.
One can admire furniture of different styles, including D. João V-style rosewood chests of drawers and Neo-Renaissance pieces, as well as Arraiolos rugs and bedspreads. The ceramics and porcelain collections are particularly notable, with examples from European manufactures such as Sèvres and Saxe, pieces from the East India Company, and Portuguese productions such as those by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, Vista Alegre, and others.
The walls, in several rooms, feature interesting tile panels depicting various themes, such as rural life on the estate, or 18th-century historical tiles originating from old convents, as seen in the main halls. The vast chronological and geographical scope of the pieces, ranging from the late Middle Ages to the early 20th century and including European and Oriental works, offers a fascinating glimpse into art history and the taste of an era.
The experience at the Casa-Museu is not limited to the interior spaces. The building is set within gardens carefully designed to complement its architecture, where vegetation coexists with decorative elements and art pieces scattered along the paths.
Exploring these outdoor spaces allows one to appreciate the harmonious relationship between the house, designed by Raul Lino, and the natural environment of the estate. One of the highlights in the gardens is an interesting garden bench completely covered with 17th-century patterned tiles, a unique piece that contributes to the tranquil and historic atmosphere of the place.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.2504922,-8.5899031
Coordinates DMS: 39°15'1.8"N 08°35'23.7"W
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