House of the Sidewalk

Category: Civil Architecture > House

District: Vila Real > Sabrosa > Provesende > Cabo de Vila

Location

Casa da Calçada stands in the tranquility of Provesende, a picturesque village in the municipality of Sabrosa, located in the Vila Real region. This manor house occupies a privileged position, isolated on a hill in the Cabo de Vila area, offering an unobstructed view of the rural surroundings. Nestled in the heart of the renowned Douro Wine Villages, its location reflects the region's deep connection to wine culture, with the property integrating an agricultural estate that complements its grandeur.

Access to the site is via Rua da Calçada, allowing for a serene arrival at this point of interest, which stands out for its historical contours and its harmonious integration into the Douro landscape.

Architectural and Historical Value

Dating from between the 17th and 18th centuries, Casa da Calçada is a notable example of Mannerist residential architecture. It presents itself as an imposing quadrangular manor house, structured around a central courtyard that provides light and privacy. It is distinguished by its integrated chapel, designed to complement the residential wing, creating a stylistically cohesive and harmonious ensemble, even though its construction may be later than that of the main house.

This building was, and continues to be, one of the most important houses in Provesende and the region, a testament to a past of great relevance and a cultural heritage that remains alive. Its importance is recognized by its classification as a Property of Public Interest, which underscores its patrimonial value.

Aesthetic Details

The main façade of Casa da Calçada reveals careful aesthetic treatment, highlighted by its plastered and whitewashed finish. It is marked by Tuscan pilasters, which culminate in pinnacles and are topped by friezes and cornices, giving it a distinct presence. The residential wing, with its two floors, displays bay windows on the upper floor, resting on volutes and protected by iron railings, topped by elegant triangular pediments, contrasting with the simpler openings on the ground floor. The central portal is flanked by lanterns that reinforce its symmetry.

The chapel, dedicated to Saint Jerome, features a straight lintel portal with double molding, adorned with a family coat of arms of the Cunhas and Pimentéis, which stand out with their mantling and crown. Surmounting the coat of arms, a small niche with a perfect arch and faceted oculus add complexity and beauty. Inside, the traditional organization of Douro manor houses is evident, with the ground floor housing the wine press (lagar) and cellar, essential elements that tell the story of the house's and the region's wine production.

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