Brejoeira Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Monument

District: Viana do Castelo > Monção > Pinheiros > Eirado

Location

The Brejoeira Palace stands in the locality of Pinheiros, in the Eirado area, integrated into the municipality of Monção. Its striking presence is located about six kilometers south of the town of Monção, set within an extensive rural property. This notable domain is delimited by imposing walls, characteristic of the era in which it was conceived, and offers a glimpse of a vastness that combines built heritage with the natural exuberance of the region.

An Architectural Legacy

Conceived in the early 19th century, with its construction extending until the mid-1830s, the Brejoeira Palace is a significant example of neoclassical architecture in Portugal. Its L-shaped floor plan and the three turrets rising from its façades give it an unmistakable silhouette, sometimes compared to the National Palace of Ajuda in Lisbon. Predominantly clad in granite, the central body of the building is distinguished by an enlarged and prominent portal, topped by the family's coat of arms. Since 1910, this imposing palace has been classified as a National Monument, an acknowledgment of its historical and artistic relevance.

The Noble Interiors

Stepping into the Brejoeira Palace is a journey through spaces where neoclassical decoration reigns supreme, reflecting the taste and opulence of the era. The entrance atrium leads to a grand staircase, whose walls are adorned with tile panels created in the 20th century by Jorge Pinto. The various halls preserve paintings and frescoes, showcasing rich ornamentation. Notable is the presence of a private theater, with strong classicist influence, characterized by fluted columns and a backdrop evoking the palace's own façade. In addition to these halls, the palace also houses a chapel and a semicircular glass and iron conservatory, accessible from the main staircase, which adds a unique element to its interior architecture.

The Harmony of the Gardens and Woodland

The surroundings of the Brejoeira Palace are as captivating as the building itself. Its gardens, designed in the English style, are spaces of tranquility, punctuated by the beauty of magnolias and camellias. The vast property extends through a dense and leafy woodland, with a remarkable diversity of trees, including plane trees, lime trees, oak trees, eucalyptus, pine trees, and ash trees, in addition to exotic species such as araucarias, Atlantic cedars, and sequoias. Complementing this natural setting, there is an artificial lake, with its own island, grottoes, and a bridge evoking Roman architecture, offering serene spots for contemplation and scenic beauty. The hectares of Alvarinho grape vineyards surrounding the palace underscore the property's winemaking tradition, essential to the identity of the Monção region.

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