Brolhas House

Category: Civil Architecture > House

District: Viseu > Lamego > Valdigem > Fundo de Vila

Location

Casa das Brolhas is located in the village of Valdigem, integrated into the union of parishes of Parada do Bispo and Valdigem, in the municipality of Lamego. It is specifically situated on Rua Macário de Castro, in the area known as Fundo de Vila. This property, urban in nature but with a setting that includes a farm and landscaped and forest areas, stands out prominently on a predominantly flat surface, although on a hillside in certain parts of the property. Its main facade directly faces the public road, on a slight slope, while the rear opens onto a walled garden area, creating an environment of privacy and distinction.

Manorial Architecture

Considered one of Lamego's most notable stately buildings, Casa das Brolhas reveals Baroque architecture that impresses with its grandeur and details. Its current configuration is the result of a reconstruction that occurred in 1777, although it preserves elements from an earlier construction dating back to the 15th century, such as the vaults and massive columns that can be observed in the kitchen. The manor, with a square plan, features a main facade marked by horizontality and the articulation of five distinct sections, separated by pilasters, with two floors topped by a platband and a triangular pediment.

The decorative ornaments, meticulously carved in granite, give it a particular aesthetic. On the ground floor, the lowered arch windows and an imposing central gate, flanked by two columns, stand out, with an armorial tympanum on the upper floor crowning the ensemble. The side elevations display a diversity of openings, including balcony windows and those with polylobed frames, reflecting the different eras and styles intertwined in the building. Inside, a covered atrium leads to a courtyard and a central staircase adorned with 18th-century tile wainscoting, which bifurcates to the noble floor, where divisions decorated with paintings and stuccoed ceilings were once found.

Traces of Nobility and History

Casa das Brolhas is a testament to the prominence of the aristocracy in the Lamego region during the 18th century. The coat of arms adorning the front is a central element of its identity, displaying the heraldic insignia of noble Portuguese families, such as the Osórios, the Menezes (Marquesses of Marialva), and the Castros. This detail not only enriches its aesthetics but also narrates the history of the lineages that resided here.

The house was linked to prominent figures in Portuguese history, including Macário de Castro da Fonseca e Sousa, an influential parliamentarian in the early days of the constitutional regime and a benefactor of the city of Lamego. Other ancestors, such as Manuel Pinto da Fonseca, who achieved the distinction of Grand Master of the Order of Malta, also contributed to its rich heritage. The historical and architectural importance of Casa das Brolhas was officially recognized, having been classified as a Property of Public Interest.

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