Category: Civil Architecture > House
District: Viseu > Mangualde > Chãs de Tavares > Centro
The House of the Old Town Hall stands in the picturesque locality of Chãs de Tavares, a rural cluster that is part of the municipality of Mangualde, Viseu district. Situated in the Central region of Portugal, its position within the village's urban fabric allows for an immersion in the tranquil and traditional environment of the Beira interior.
The surroundings are characterized by popular architecture, with its stone houses and narrow streets, and by the surrounding rural landscape, marked by fields and small elevations, which are typical of this area of the country.
This unique building holds crucial historical importance for Chãs de Tavares, as it once housed the Town Hall. This administrative function bestows upon it the status of a place of collective memory, a testament to its past relevance as a centre of local decision-making and governance.
It thus represents a tangible link to the civic history of the village, marking a period of administrative autonomy and intense community life that shaped the locality's identity throughout the centuries.
The House of the Old Town Hall displays architectural features that reflect the traditional construction of the region, integrating harmoniously into the village's urban landscape. It is often characterized by the solidity of its construction in granite, an abundant material in the region, and by a volume that, although functional, may denote its former public function.
Its sober lines, the robustness of its walls, and the typical construction elements of Beira Alta are details that visitors can observe, offering a perspective on the local architectural heritage and the adaptation of buildings to the needs of the era.
Beyond its historical and architectural worth, the House of the Old Town Hall stands as an element of strong heritage and cultural value for the region. Its presence is an invitation to reflect on the legacy left by past generations and the deep identity of Chãs de Tavares.
This building is not merely a stone structure, but a symbol of the resilience and evolution of Portuguese rural communities, offering an authentic perspective on the way of life and social organization of yesteryear.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.6224806,-7.6092629
Coordinates DMS: 40°37'20.9"N 07°36'33.3"W