Palace of the Marquesses of Vila Real

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Vila Real > Vila Real > Vila Real > Quinchosos

Location

Situated in the heart of the city of Vila Real, this palace stands on Avenida Carvalho Araújo, one of the main arteries of the locality. Its central position, in the urban area known as Quinchosos, fully integrates it into the city's historical fabric.

The building features a main facade facing this busy avenue, while its rear faces Rua António Azevedo, revealing distinct construction periods and a setting that makes it a visual landmark.

Epochal and Noble Features

The architecture of the Palace of the Marquises of Vila Real, dating back to the 16th century, stands out for its main facade, where elements of particular interest can be observed. The granite, a predominant material, gives it solidity and an imposing appearance.

The windows, arranged on two floors, draw attention, especially the central ones, which are geminated and display a distinct Manueline style, one of the few examples of this artistic movement in Vila Real. Above these windows, a laurel wreath frames the word "Aleeo", a symbol rich in history, associated with the Meneses family, the first holders of the marquisate. At the top of the facade, the crenellations give the palace a tower-like silhouette, hence its alternative designation as the Tower Palace.

Memory of a Noble House

This building was the residence of the Marquises of Vila Real, one of the most influential noble families in the region. Its history is intrinsically linked to the development of Vila Real, having been the stage for noble life for centuries and contributing to the city being known as the "Court of Trás-os-Montes".

The term "Aleeo", engraved on the facade, evokes the figure of D. Pedro de Meneses, the first Count of Vila Real, and the legend of his staff in the defense of Ceuta, a feat that echoes in the city's own coat of arms. The palace is also known as Casa do Arco (House of the Arch), a designation due to the existence, in other times, of a granite arch with a chapel over an adjacent street, although this structure was demolished in the 19th century. After the extinction of the title of the Marquises of Vila Real, the building passed into the possession of the Vaz Guedes Pereira Pinto family, maintaining its character as a manor house throughout the following centuries.

Legacy and Preservation

Throughout its existence, the palace witnessed several transformations. From a noble residence, it adapted to different uses, reflecting the city's social and urban dynamics. In the mid-20th century, for example, it housed the headquarters of a local club, demonstrating its ability to integrate into new functions.

In more recent years, the building has undergone restoration work. This preservation effort is fundamental to maintaining the architectural integrity and historical value of this important landmark in Vila Real, ensuring that its legacy endures and can be appreciated by visitors to the locality.

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