Category: Civil Architecture > House
District: Viseu > Mangualde > Almeidinha
Casa de Almeidinha is serenely situated in the locality of Almeidinha, a rural retreat in the municipality of Mangualde. Located on gently sloping terrain, the property stands out for its prominent position, embraced by a landscape of cultivated fields, lush gardens, and a small woodland. This natural setting imbues it with an atmosphere of tranquility and rural beauty, typical of the region.
The history of Casa de Almeidinha dates back to the 16th century, with its foundation in 1590 by Gaspar Paes do Amaral, a Nobleman of the Royal Household. Over the centuries, the manor witnessed various interventions and expansions that enriched its architectural design. In 1741, Manuel Osório Amaral undertook significant renovations, including the chapel. Later, in the second half of the 18th century, Semião do Amaral Osório contributed to its interior beauty with the addition of tile panels. In the 19th century, the first Viscount of Almeidinha, João Carlos do Amaral Osório de Souza Pizarro, introduced alterations to the main façade, as attested by the coat of arms that now crowns it. This historical legacy is recognized by its classification as a Property of Public Interest.
Casa de Almeidinha is a remarkable example of the fusion of architectural styles, where 16th-century Manueline meets 18th-century Rococo. From its genesis, the imposing quadrangular tower and the main chapel's vault, characterized by its complex poly-ribbed and star-shaped design, remain. 18th-century elements mark most of the building, with its two floors, pilasters delineating the various sections, and openings elegantly framed by curvilinear pediments. The south facade stands out with the chapel's rectangular portal, flanked by fluted pilasters and topped by a tetralobed oculus with vegetal motifs, culminating in a gable with a stone cross.
Inside Casa de Almeidinha, visitors can appreciate a collection of noble spaces that reveal the refinement of its construction and decoration. The noble floor houses lounges and bedrooms, some with tray ceilings or coffered ceilings, the main hall's being notably polychromed with painted medallions. Of particular beauty are the wainscoting of blue and white tiles that adorn the noble hall and two bedrooms, depicting rural and courtly scenes with architectural frames. The single-nave interior chapel features a gilded and polychrome carved altarpiece, imitating marble, enriched with volutes and cartouches. The kitchen, peculiar in shape, occupies the tower's space, and in the dining room, a small granite washbasin with a lobed basin demonstrates the attention to detail.
Surrounding Casa de Almeidinha, a vast area of gardens and a farm extends, inviting visitors for a stroll through its historic nooks. The route begins in the Acacia Courtyard, a space with cool areas, fountains, and stone benches, which once functioned as a riding arena. An avenue flanked by low walls, boxwoods, and trees guides the visitor to the "Jogo da Bola" (Ball Game), where an imposing fountain topped with volutes is found, which, in the past, was adorned with tiles depicting mythological representations. Further north, a small woodland houses the picturesque Fountain of the Horses, topped by a cross. To the south, cultivated lands culminate in an orange grove, offering pleasant views of the surrounding landscape.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.598771,-7.73025981
Coordinates DMS: 40°35'55.6"N 07°43'48.9"W
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