Santa Luzia Hotel / Santa Luzia Mount Inn

Category: Civil Architecture > Inn

District: Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo (Santa Maria Maior e Monserrate) e Meadela

Location

This unique building is located atop the Monte de Santa Luzia, approximately 250 meters above sea level. Its elevated position within the urban area of Viana do Castelo offers a wide and remarkable perspective. From there, one can enjoy a panoramic view that encompasses much of the natural beauty of the Minho coast and the Lima River estuary, distinctive elements of the local landscape.

Architectural Conception

The original design for this space, conceived in the early 20th century by architect Miguel Ventura Terra, aimed to promote Viana do Castelo as a prominent beach resort. Decades later, in the middle of the same century, the building underwent significant remodeling and expansion. These works were overseen by architect Jorge Segurado, who sought to imbue the space with a functional character and elegant sobriety, in line with its then recent classification as a first-class establishment.

The Gardens and Surrounding Landscape

The gardens surrounding the building are the result of careful landscape recovery work, developed between 1954 and 1966 by landscape architect António Viana Barreto. His intervention was not limited to aesthetics; he also considered archaeological discoveries in the area of the main facade, which led to a change in the building's access. These gardens invite a tranquil stroll and offer points of visual interest, including the presence of sculptural elements.

Artistic Legacy

The experience of visiting this place is enriched by the presence of a significant artistic piece. In 1957, the building housed a tapestry designed by José de Almada Negreiros, a central figure in Portuguese culture. The integration of this artwork lends the space a cultural and historical dimension, inviting contemplation of the work of one of the great names of modern Portuguese art.

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