Category: Civil Architecture > House
District: Vila Real > Vila Real > Mateus > Bairro do Além
The Casa das Quartas is located in Mateus, a locality in the municipality of Vila Real, specifically in the area known as Bairro do Além. Situated near one of the roads that wind through the region, this stately home stands out in its urban setting, yet preserves an atmosphere of privacy and isolation. At the front, a small garden precedes the main facade, while at the rear and to the south, some trees, part of the property, extend, contributing to its serene environment.
The history of Casa das Quartas conjecturally dates back to the 17th century, when one of its wings was built. In the 19th century, the property underwent significant expansion, gaining an L-shaped body and the addition of a chapel, elements that gave the house its current U-shaped configuration. This noble residence maintains an intriguing genealogical connection with the renowned Casa de Mateus, sharing family origins up to a certain point in its chronology. In 1974, Casa das Quartas was hit by a fire that destroyed its interior and contents. However, it was subsequently subjected to a process of recovery and adaptation, allowing its essence and structure to be preserved over time. Currently, it is recognized as a Property of Municipal Interest, a testament to its patrimonial value.
Casa das Quartas features imposing residential architecture, with a "U"-shaped plan and two floors. Its articulated volumes are distinguished by different roofs: hipped roofs on the various wings and gabled roofs on the chapel. The main facade, facing west, is marked by the presence of nine windows on the upper floor and an equal number of oeil-de-boeufs on the lower floor, lending it a sober elegance. The remaining, simpler facades are punctuated by sash windows, some with granite frames. The exterior walls are constructed of granite masonry, plastered both internally and externally, giving the structure solidity and a characteristic appearance of the region's architecture.
One of the most emblematic elements of Casa das Quartas is the large coat of arms stone located next to the chapel, carefully integrated into a granite wall. This coat of arms, meticulously carved into a quartered shield, displays the symbols of various illustrious lineages. In the first quarter, the arms of the Barros family are represented, with their three bends and nine six-pointed stars; in the second, those of the Mesquitas; in the third, those of the Pimentéis; and in the fourth, those of the Pereiras. This is a historical detail of particular interest, as this stone is not original to Casa das Quartas, having been transferred from another stately property, the Casa dos Morgados do Espírito Santo de Favaios, in Sabrosa, thereby enriching the narrative and symbolism of the site.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.30379039,-7.71880029
Coordinates DMS: 41°18'13.6"N 07°43'7.7"W
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