House of Lunas

Category: Civil Architecture > House

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

Location

Casa dos Lunas stands in the heart of the historic center of Viana do Castelo, in one of its most picturesque and ancient areas. It is located between Largo da Matriz and Rua do Poço, in a corner urban setting that harmoniously integrates with the slope of the terrain. Its position, within the ancient limits of the city's medieval wall, gives it a distinctive character, with the frontal square closed to traffic and the adjacent streets paved with stone slabs, inviting a peaceful and contemplative stroll.

Renaissance Architecture

This 16th-century building, with later additions, is a remarkable example of residential Renaissance architecture in the region. Its main facade, facing northeast, is particularly rich in details, highlighted by its three floors with carefully molded openings. On the noble floor, French windows with continuous balconies display elaborate iron railings, and one of them is flanked by pilasters with classical motifs. On the upper floor, the sill windows are ornamented with small columns and a cornice decorated with vines and cherubs, culminating in elegant urns.

History and Illustrious Figures

The history of Casa dos Lunas dates back to the 16th century and is closely linked to the family who commissioned its construction. An inscription engraved on the main facade, in two lines, reveals that the house was commissioned by "JÁCOME RAIZ, KNIGHT FIDALGO OF OUR LORD THE KING'S HOUSEHOLD and COMMANDER OF (...) IN THE ORDER OF CHRIST AND HIS WIFE MARIA BARBOSA". Jácome Rodrigues de Luna, as he was also known, was the Provost of Viana's Misericórdia (Brotherhood of Mercy). Later, in the 17th century, this house was the birthplace of Miguel de Vasconcelos, a prominent figure of the era.

Decorative Details

The decorative richness is one of Casa dos Lunas' most striking features. Throughout the stonework, typically Mannerist elements, such as effigies and medallions, are visible, giving the building a unique identity and earning it the alternative designation of "House of the Medallions". The side facade, although with more irregular fenestration, complements this aesthetic with windows adorned by baluster columns and a bilobed arched balcony window, where intertwined motifs, volutes, and other figures can be observed. Even with the Mannerist predominance, it is still possible to glimpse some traces of Manueline influence in the openings of the noble floor, making the observation of its details a true journey through time.

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