Mateus Palace or Mateus Manor or Mateus House

Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House

District: Vila Real > Vila Real > Mateus > Bairro do Além

Location

Situated in the serene locality of Mateus, in the municipality and district of Vila Real, this emblematic building is located in Bairro do Além, harmoniously integrated into the Transmontana landscape. Its position offers an environment of tranquility, framed by a natural setting that complements the grandeur of its architecture, typical of the noble estates of the region.

Architecture and Style

Mateus Palace is a notable example of Baroque architecture in Portugal, conceived in the 18th century. Its main facade is of particular emphasis, with an elaborate parapet ornamented by pinnacles, urns, and statues that give it a distinctive and recognizable silhouette. The centralized entrance is crowned by a coat of arms, symbolizing the lineage of the family who commissioned its construction. The design of the building demonstrates a concern for symmetry and theatricality, striking characteristics of the period.

Gardens and Natural Surroundings

Enveloped by extensive and meticulously maintained gardens, Mateus Palace is complemented by a natural environment of great beauty. The gardens, designed with rigor and symmetry, display geometric boxwood beds, statues, and water features that create an atmosphere of serenity and refinement. A prominent feature is an emblematic camellia tunnel, offering a picturesque and sensory path. The integration of architecture with landscaping reflects the artistic vision and aesthetic refinement of the era, inviting contemplation of the ensemble.

Legacy and Heritage

Beyond its architectural grandeur, Mateus Palace is a repository of a considerable historical and cultural legacy. The interior of the manor preserves furniture, vestments, and art objects that bear witness to the daily life and aesthetic taste of several generations of Portuguese nobility. Casa de Mateus thus represents a valuable heritage, a living testament to the history and art of living of an era, maintained to this day by the same family.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pal%C3%A1cio_de_Mateus

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