Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Viseu > Resende > São Cipriano > Carril
The "illustrious house of Ramires" is located in the Carril area, in the village of São Cipriano, belonging to the municipality of Resende. This location is set within a landscape that opens up to views of the surrounding mountains, integrating with the natural beauty of the Douro region.
The property is situated in a tranquil rural environment, characteristic of these lands, offering direct contact with nature and local history.
This emblematic place is widely recognized as the central inspiration for the celebrated work "The Illustrious House of Ramires", authored by the notable Portuguese writer Eça de Queiroz. Although the novel does not directly name the property, historians and scholars of Eça's work point to a remarkable confluence of geographical and toponymic references from the Resende region with the narrative.
The protagonist himself, Gonçalo Mendes Ramires, is nicknamed "Fidalgo da Torre" (Noble of the Tower), directly alluding to the imposing medieval structure that stands on this estate. The atmosphere and settings of the house and its surroundings would have fueled the author's imagination, transforming them into the backdrop for one of his most significant literary creations.
The most striking element of the property is its medieval tower, whose construction dates back to the 12th century. This robust structure, with its secular history, would have served defensive functions, such as a watchtower, and even a prison, during a period of significant historical transformations.
Subsequently, in the 16th century, the surrounding housing complex was built, harmoniously integrating with the tower, giving the ensemble its current configuration. The house displays a coat of arms, bearing witness to its connection to ancient and noble Portuguese families, such as the Pintos and the Cochofels, who owned it over several centuries. Since 1977, the property has been classified as being of public interest, a recognition of its inestimable patrimonial and historical value.
The estate extends over a vast area encompassing cultivated fields, various gardens, and a dense woodland, inviting exploration and contemplation. Within the property, the Eira Velha (Old Threshing Floor) stands out, a higher point which, due to its privileged position, would have been a place of contemplation for Eça de Queiroz, where the writer may have found inspiration for his landscape descriptions.
The outdoor spaces, with their nooks and stone benches, offer an atmosphere of tranquility and an authentic connection with nature. From multiple points on the estate, it is possible to enjoy unobstructed views of the rural and mountainous landscape that stretches around Resende.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.0602653,-7.999085
Coordinates DMS: 41°03'37.0"N 07°59'56.7"W
Weather São Cipriano
On-duty Pharmacy São Cipriano
