Infantado Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Santarém > Benavente > Samora Correia > Porto Alto

Location

The Palácio do Infantado is located in Samora Correia, in the municipality of Benavente, a town situated on the Ribatejo plain. This historic building is strategically positioned in the town center, opposite the Main Church, making it an easily accessible and visible landmark. Its urban location, in Largo da República, allows it to be easily integrated into a stroll through Samora Correia's central area.

The palace's south facade adjoins a small garden, providing a more secluded environment. In this space, an oval stone tank stands out, a detail that complements the architectural ensemble's aesthetic and invites a moment of tranquility.

A Royal Origin

The history of the Palácio do Infantado dates back to the late 17th and 18th centuries, a period when it was an integral part of the vast estate of the Casa do Infantado. This royal institution was established in 1654 by D. João IV, with the purpose of endowing his second sons and their descendants.

The palace served as a residence for members of the nobility and the royal family, such as Infante D. Pedro and, later, Infante D. Francisco. Its presence in Samora Correia was linked to the frequent hunting expeditions that the Infantes carried out in the fertile floodplains (lezírias) of the Ribatejo, which underscores its historical importance and its connection to the region's traditions. After the extinction of the Casa do Infantado, the building was integrated into the Companhia das Lezírias do Tejo e Sado in the 19th century, serving as the administrative headquarters of this significant agricultural company.

Architectural Features and Rebirth

The architecture of the Palácio do Infantado presents a fusion of Mannerist and Pombaline influences, visible in its imposing and well-defined structure. The large building develops over two floors, with a rectangular plan that encloses a central courtyard. Its four facades are marked by symmetry and the regularity of the openings, with windows on the ground floor and French windows that provide access to balconies on the upper floor.

The balconies, adorned with iron balustrade railings, share characteristics with Pombaline buildings in Lisbon, such as those in Terreiro do Paço. One of the most distinctive elements is the main portal, ornamented with a curvilinear pediment and the coat of arms of the Casa do Infantado, framed by a Baroque cartouche. In 1976, a fire destroyed the palace's interior, leaving only its robust facades. However, thanks to a recovery effort between 1997 and 1998, the building was restored and adapted to its current function, with the surrounding garden being subsequently renovated in 2008.

Active Cultural Hub

Currently, the Palácio do Infantado plays a central role in Samora Correia's cultural life. Following its recovery, the building's interior was completely transformed to house various public and cultural facilities, making it a meeting point and a dynamic center for the community and visitors.

The palace now houses the Carlos e Odete Gaspar Municipal Library, a space for reading and knowledge. Additionally, it features an auditorium and an exhibition gallery, which host a regular cultural program. These exhibitions prioritize themes related to local identity and various artistic fields, offering a window into the region's culture and history.

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