Bacalhoa Palace or Albuquerques Palace and Bacalhoa Estate, of the Codfish or of the Constable's Wife or Villa Feyxe, Vila Fraiche, Fréche or Fresca, in Vila Fresca de Azeitão

Category: Civil Architecture > Farm

District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Vila Fresca de Azeitão > Castanhos

Location

Located in the village of Vila Fresca de Azeitão, parish of Azeitão, municipality of Setúbal.

Historical Origin

Belonged to Infante D. João in the 15th century, later passing to his daughter D. Brites, mother of D. Manuel I.

Architecture and Construction

, Renaissance palace with unique elements, such as ornate windows and ogival vaults.

, Walls with turrets with decorative domes and a large central tank.

, 16th-century tiles, dated 1565 and signed by Francisco de Matos, a Portuguese ceramist.

, Flemish faience medallions with historical busts.

Evolution Over Time

, Acquired by Brás de Albuquerque in 1528, who added pavilions and a "pleasure house" next to the tank.

, Became known as Quinta da Bacalhoa, possibly due to the nickname "Bacalhau" (Codfish) of D. Jerónimo Manuel and his wife.

, Restored in 1936 by Orlena Scoville, who revitalized the property.

Classification and Relevance

, National Monument since 1910, with changes in designation in 1996.

, Considered one of the most beautiful 16th-century quintas (estates) in Portugal.

Current Ownership

Belongs to the Berardo Foundation, also standing out as one of the largest wine producers in the country.

Visit and Experience

, The place is a point of interest for its history, architecture, and connection to wine.

, The environment mixes cultural heritage with landscapes of great beauty.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinta_da_Bacalhoa

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