Viana do Castelo City Hall

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Centro Histórico

Location

Viana do Castelo City Hall is located in the heart of its vibrant historic center. The building stands in one of the city's most important squares, a space once next to the old Santiago Gate, which marked the access to the walled town. Currently, the square is a pedestrian area, paved with granite slabs, inviting visitors to pause and contemplate the urban environment surrounding this historic monument.

History and Evolution

The construction of the City Hall began in 1505, by order of D. Manuel I, with the purpose of serving as the Council House. This building, which stylistically integrates into the Gothic tradition, assumed multiple roles over the centuries. Its ground floor, originally an open space with arcades, housed a vital bread and flour market. In addition to its administrative function, the site also served as a prison and, for a period, hosted the municipal library. Today, the City Hall functions as a cultural center and an exhibition gallery, remaining a point of reference for the community. Its heritage value has been recognized since 1910, the year it was classified as a National Monument.

Architecture and Symbolism

The main façade of the City Hall is a testament to the granite architecture, characteristic of the region. On the ground floor, the presence of three ogival arches stands out, lending a sense of grandeur and inviting visitors inside. The upper floor is marked by elegant bay windows, each adorned with symbols of great significance. In the center, we find the arms of Portugal, flanked, on the left, by the coat of arms of Viana do Castelo, with its carrack, and on the right, by the armillary sphere, an emblem of the Portuguese Discoveries. These heraldic representations tell part of the history and identity of the city and the country. The battlements crowning the building, added in the late 19th century, enhance its unique character.

The Mexia Galvão Portal

A notable architectural element, albeit with a more complex location history, is the Mexia Galvão Portal, situated at the rear of the City Hall. This Mannerist portal, built at the end of the 17th century (around 1698), was originally part of the old prison that was attached to the main building. Disassembled during restoration works in the mid-20th century, it was carefully reinstalled in its original location in 1988. With its perfect arch, lateral pilasters, and national coat of arms, the Mexia Galvão Portal is an example of sobriety and elegance that enriches the architectural complex, functioning as a piece that illustrates the monument's transformations and resilience over time.

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