Category: Civil Architecture > Ensemble
District: Viana do Castelo > Arcos de Valdevez > Faquelo > Salvador, Vila Fonche e Parada
This unique architectural complex is located in Faquelo, a village integrated into the union of parishes of Salvador, Vila Fonche, and Parada, in the municipality of Arcos de Valdevez, district of Viana do Castelo. Its implantation offers an immersive experience in the rural Minho landscape, characterized by a rich and peaceful natural environment, ideal for those seeking the serenity and authenticity of the Alto Minho villages, away from urban bustle.
The residential complex of 2 houses and an arch or walkway stands out for its cohesive composition, revealing the essence of the region's vernacular architecture. Two traditional-style houses are observed, buildings that demonstrate local constructive mastery through the use of characteristic materials, such as granite. This material, abundant in the area, gives the structures remarkable robustness and a harmonious chromaticism with the natural environment that surrounds them, fitting perfectly into the Minho landscape.
The element that distinguishes and gives a unique character to this complex is the arch or walkway. This structure is an ingenious testament to the adaptation to the terrain and the interconnection between spaces. It functions as a unifying element, whether it is a passage arch connecting the two houses or an elevated walkway that offers a particular connection, giving the complex its own identity and a peculiar architectural rhythm, common in certain historical housing typologies in Northern Portugal.
A visit to this place allows for an immersion in the history and traditional ways of life of the region. The complex reflects the social and family organization that shaped the Minho villages, where dwellings were grouped, often sharing accesses or creating protected passages that facilitated daily life. The atmosphere around these houses is one of profound tranquility and authenticity, inviting a careful observation of the details that narrate the history of rural daily life and the evolution of popular construction.
The simplicity of the lines and the functionality of the spaces are notable aspects, revealing popular wisdom in the construction of buildings adapted to the climate and the needs of communities. This complex, although modest in scale, is an expressive example of the architecture that punctuates the landscape of the municipality of Arcos de Valdevez, inviting a genuine appreciation of the local housing culture and its legacy.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.84694167,-8.41821389
Coordinates DMS: 41°50'49.0"N 08°25'5.6"W
Weather Faquelo
On-duty Pharmacy Faquelo
