Category: Civil Architecture > House
District: Viana do Castelo > Arcos de Valdevez > São Paio
The Casa da Ponte stands in São Paio, by the banks of the Vez River and a few meters from the historic Ponte dos Arcos. The building is part of an urban stretch where the presence of granite and the green surroundings create a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere.
Situated on a slight elevation above the riverbed, the house offers discreet views of the water and the wooded banks. In the vicinity, the urban layout preserves its old-fashioned streets, reinforcing the serene character of this corner of Arcos de Valdevez.
Built in the late 18th century for the Azevedo Coutinho de Araújo family, this urban manor house reflects the social importance of its owners in the region. The quartered coat of arms, which unites the arms of the Araújo, Amorim, Azevedo, and Coutinho families, attests to the lineage and noble alliances linked to the building.
Over the centuries, the Casa da Ponte has witnessed local transformations while maintaining its original design. The recent restoration respected the historical elements, preserving both its granite solidity and the heraldic details that give it its identity.
The façade presents a balance between the sobriety of the whitewashed walls and the strength of the golden granite in the door and window frames. At its center, a wrought-iron balcony stands out beneath the heraldic emblem, creating a point of visual and photographic interest.
The gable roof and regular openings suggest order and functionality, common features in 18th-century manor houses. Together, the simple volumes and sculpted details provide a clear aesthetic interpretation, ideal for those who appreciate historic architecture in an urban context.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.843763041843125,-8.41667717641346
Coordinates DMS: 41°50'37.5"N 08°25'0.0"W
Weather São Paio
On-duty Pharmacy São Paio
