Palace of the Dukes of Aveiro

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Azeitão > Aldeia Rica

Location

The Palace of the Dukes of Aveiro stands prominently in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, in Praça da República, one of the main arteries of this locality. Situated in the urban surroundings of Azeitão, specifically in the Aldeia Rica area, the palace is isolated yet with a prominent placement, taking advantage of the gentle slope of the hill on which it rests. Its main facades face the square, giving it a striking presence in the local landscape.

Architecture and Mannerist Elegance

This large manor house represents a notable example of Mannerist architecture in Portugal, dating from the mid-16th century. Its original design features a "U"-shaped plan, characteristic of rural manor houses, but here with an extension of the east wing to create a facade facing the gardens. The main facade, facing north, stands out for its monumentality, with a more elevated central body and two lower lateral ones, delimited by rusticated pilasters. An imposing portal, with columns and a Doric entablature, announces the grandeur of the building. On the balconies, particularly on the east facade, it is possible to admire a panel of 17th-century blue and white tiles, formerly part of the Ballroom.

Echoes of a Noble History

The palace was built in the mid-16th century by order of D. Jorge de Lencastre, Master of Santiago, on land ceded by the Dominican friars. Over the centuries, it witnessed important episodes in Portuguese history. It served as a privileged residence for the House of Aveiro and hosted royal figures, such as Philip II, in 1619, and D. João V, in 1711 and 1715. However, in 1759, the palace was the scene of the arrest of the last Duke of Aveiro, accused of involvement in the regicide attempt against D. José I. After this event, the ducal arms adorning the portal were defaced by order of the Marquis of Pombal, a visible trace of that tumultuous era. Later, between 1773 and 1847, the building had an unexpected use by housing Portugal's first chintz factory.

A Symbol of the Aristocratic Past

Despite some later interventions and additions that altered its original character in certain areas, the Palace of the Dukes of Aveiro maintains its essence as a noble house and its status as a Property of Public Interest. It is a landmark that symbolizes the aristocratic past of the Azeitão lands and offers a glimpse into the life and social and economic transformations that marked the region throughout the centuries. The complex remains an element of great historical and cultural value, worthy of observation for its architectural beauty and the stories its walls contain.

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