Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Vila Fresca de Azeitão > Castanhos
The Bacalhôa Palace is located in Vila Fresca de Azeitão, a locality in the municipality of Setúbal. It is specifically situated in the Castanhos area, a zone that gives the location a tranquil atmosphere and the characteristics of a small village, away from the faster pace of urban centers.
The history of the Bacalhôa Palace dates back to the 15th century, when the property was a recreational space linked to the Portuguese Royal House. Initially, it belonged to Infante João, son of King D. João I, and was later inherited by his daughter, D. Brites. It was D. Brites who initiated the first improvements on the estate, including the construction of walls with turrets and a large tank, elements that still define the landscape of the place today.
In the 16th century, the property was acquired by Brás de Albuquerque, a descendant of Afonso de Albuquerque. Under his ownership, the palace was enriched with notable architectural and decorative details, remaining one of the most beautiful and important examples of its period in Portugal, classified as a National Monument.
The Bacalhôa Palace exhibits a fusion of styles that reflect the diverse eras it has traversed throughout its centuries of existence. The ogival vaults, which remind us of its earliest times, stand out. The main body of the palace features Renaissance-style windows, and decorative elements in 16th-century ceramics are visible throughout the property.
Particularly noteworthy are the azulejos, some of which date back to 1565 and are signed by the ceramist Francisco de Matos. Flemish faience medallions, framing busts of historical figures, complement the artistic richness of the ensemble. The turrets, with their characteristic bulbous domes, lend a unique identity to the palace's architecture.
The name "Bacalhoa" has a curious history, intertwined with the lives of its former owners. At the end of the 16th century, the estate became part of a mayorazgo inherited by D. Maria Mendonça de Albuquerque. This lady was married to D. Jerónimo Manuel, who was known by the nickname "Bacalhau" (Codfish). It is likely that the property acquired its name from a sarcastic designation attributed to D. Maria Mendonça de Albuquerque, also referred to as "Bacalhoa," a name that has remained and become inseparable from the estate over time.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.5253547,-8.9921192
Coordinates DMS: 38°31'31.3"N 08°59'31.6"W
Weather Vila Fresca de Azeitão
On-duty Pharmacy Vila Fresca de Azeitão
