Category: Nature > Garden
District: Vila Real > Vila Real > Mateus > Urbanização Villa Sol
The Gardens of Casa do Paço are located in the town of Mateus, within the municipality and district of Vila Real. Set in a tranquil environment, characteristic of the Trás-os-Montes region, these gardens offer a refuge of serenity, where the rural landscape merges with landscape art. Its proximity to the Villa Sol urbanization gives it a location that, despite being accessible, maintains the feeling of an isolated and timeless space, conducive to contemplation and strolling.
The design of the Gardens of Casa do Paço reflects a remarkable example of Portuguese Baroque art, characterized by its harmony and symmetry. The meticulous layout is evident in the carefully delineated flowerbeds, often sculpted in boxwood, which create complex geometric patterns. This planning gives the space a sense of order and grandeur, inviting the visitor to calmly discover each perspective and corner.
The garden's conception is not merely ornamental; it establishes a continuous dialogue with the surrounding architecture, amplifying the aesthetic and sensory experience. Paths meander through the vegetation, revealing new points of interest and views, in a progression that unveils the richness of the landscape heritage preserved here.
Natural elements are the soul of the Gardens of Casa do Paço. The boxwood hedges, masterfully pruned into organic and geometric shapes, creating true vegetal sculptures, are particularly noteworthy. Biodiversity is remarkable, with a variety of species including camellias, rhododendrons, and magnolias, which contribute to a chromatic spectacle throughout the seasons. The centenary trees provide shade and framing, enriching the environment with their grandeur.
The presence of water is equally striking, whether in the ponds that mirror the sky and surrounding architecture, or in the fountains that add a sonorous and dynamic element to the ensemble. The integration of classical statues and other sculptural pieces, strategically positioned, lends the garden a symbolic and cultural character, transforming each route into a journey through history and art.
The Gardens of Casa do Paço represent an invaluable cultural legacy. More than just a green space, they are a living testament to the evolution of landscape and aesthetic taste over the centuries. Their preservation reflects a commitment to maintaining a heritage that transcends the botanical dimension, incorporating the history, architecture, and identity of the region.
The experience of walking through these gardens is an invitation to contemplation and introspection, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of one of the most significant garden spaces in the Vila Real region. It is a place where human art and nature coexist in perfect symbiosis, creating an environment of singular beauty and peace.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.305335978947, -7.7189051473684
Coordinates DMS: 41°18'19.2"N 07°43'8.1"W