Category: Civil Architecture > Palace
District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte de Lima > Ponte de Lima > Arrabalde
The Casa de Nossa Senhora da Aurora is situated on the left bank of the Lima river, within the Arrabalde area, in Ponte de Lima. It is harmoniously integrated into the historic center of the village, in an environment of tranquility and greenery. Its position offers a glimpse of the Minho landscape, characterized by abundant water and rich fields, contributing to a fresh atmosphere throughout the year.
This remarkable property is classified as a Public Interest Property, a testament to its importance in national heritage. Although its origins date back to a first edifice in the 14th century and it underwent interventions in the 17th century, the house as it stands today results from a profound renovation that occurred between 1714 and 1730. This Baroque work is attributed to Manuel Pinto de Vilalobos, a prominent engineer of the time. The property has always remained in the possession of the same family through the male line, the Sá Coutinho Rebelo Sotto Maior, which also gives it the designation of Casa dos Condes de Aurora (House of the Counts of Aurora). A significant episode in its history was the death of the Archbishop of Braga, D. José de Bragança, in one of its halls in 1756, during a stay.
The architecture of the Casa de Nossa Senhora da Aurora follows the "long house" typology, a common model in the Baroque period. The main facade, imposing and harmonious, features two floors well-defined by a horizontal frieze, with a rhythmic arrangement of windows and iron balconies. A coat of arms adorns one of the corners, marking the lineage of the founding family. Inside, an elegant staircase leads to the noble floor, where rooms are decorated with plain walls or painted with floral motifs, and ceilings elaborated in masseira (coved) or coffered styles. The chapel attached to the house, with its national-style carving and Baroque pattern tiles, complements the artistic richness of the complex, offering a glimpse of the sacred art of the era.
The garden of the Casa de Nossa Senhora da Aurora is one of its greatest attractions, conceived between 1731 and 1740, following Baroque standards. It features carefully delineated boxwood beds, granite fountains, and a pond that reflect the taste of the period. Subsequently, in the 19th century, the garden evolved into a more romantic style, with winding paths extending through an adjacent woodland. It is a space of great botanical diversity, with over 60 camellias, many of them centuries old, araucarias rising above the other trees, and notable species such as the Japanese cryptomeria that changes color according to the season, the unique paper mulberry, and the vibrant yellow ipê that blooms without leaves between March and April. Throughout the year, the garden flourishes with roses, dahlias, azaleas, magnolias, rhododendrons, and maples, providing a constantly changing palette of colors and an environment that attracts a variety of birds.
Exploring the spaces of the Casa de Nossa Senhora da Aurora is to immerse oneself in an experience of contemplation and serenity. From the nooks with stone benches and the various fountains adorned with figures and inscriptions, to the large pond with its duck shelter, every element invites a moment of pause. The woodland, with its curved trails, creates an enchanting setting, enriched by the diversity of centuries-old plant species, both exotic and native. This place is a true oasis where history meets nature, offering a tranquil and picturesque environment for a visit.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.769963,-8.582533
Coordinates DMS: 41°46'11.9"N 08°34'57.1"W
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