Category: Civil Architecture > Building
District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte de Lima > Calheiros
Casa do Barrenho is situated in a quiet, rural environment, in the village of Calheiros, municipality of Ponte de Lima. It stands isolated, in the center of an extensive property, accessed via a gate on the national road that opens onto a tree-lined avenue, culminating at the main entrance of the house.
The surroundings are characterized by agricultural land where vineyards, fruit trees, and cereals predominate, highlighting its connection to the Minho landscape. The house is built on a sloping plot, creating a service patio at the rear.
Casa do Barrenho is an example of Baroque residential architecture from the 17th century. Its L-shaped structure is distinguished by a three-story tower at one end, taller than the rest of the two-story body. On the tower's roof, four pinnacles adorn the landscape.
The main facade, facing west, features a curved staircase that leads to the entrance. This entrance is enhanced by a coat of arms stone and is flanked by sash windows with curved lintels, typical of the style. Inside the house, details such as wooden ceilings and the typical granite "conversadeiras" (window seats) by the windows can be observed.
The history of Casa do Barrenho dates back to the late 17th century. It is believed that its initial construction was spurred by resources derived from gold mining in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the property passed through several families, who maintained it and, in certain periods, carried out renovations.
The quartered coat of arms adorning the house's main tower is a visible testament to its legacy, representing the lineages of Pacheco, Godois, Alvarenga, and Morais. A curiosity about the tower is the belief that, due to its position on the entrance avenue, it might have been originally conceived with the intention of serving as a chapel.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.8035285,-8.5898464
Coordinates DMS: 41°48'12.7"N 08°35'23.4"W
Weather Calheiros
On-duty Pharmacy Calheiros
