Category: Civil Architecture > House
District: Viseu > Mangualde > Mangualde Gare
Casa da Mesquitela is located in the town of Mangualde Gare, nestled within the serene landscape of the former parish of Mesquitela, in the municipality of Mangualde. This remarkable building stands out in its rural setting, characterized by a tranquil and harmonious environment, typical of the Beira Alta region. The property is bordered by granite walls that enclose several courtyards, contributing to its reserved and traditional atmosphere.
The building, of manorial and typically Beirão character, presents a horizontal layout with a single floor, covered by a gable roof. Its main entrance is marked by an imposing granite portal, above which an armorial stone framed by a pediment can be observed, an element denoting the lineage and status of the families who lived there. This portal leads to a central courtyard, which in the past housed a Couto de Homiziados (Sanctuary for Fugitives), a place with a particular historical significance as a sanctuary.
The main facade is adorned with a porch supported by robust cylindrical columns resting on rectangular bases, conveying a sense of grandeur. The straight-lintel doors and sash windows, all framed in granite, are repeated throughout the property, creating architectural uniformity. An attached chapel to the side facade complements the ensemble, enriching it with its presence and constructive details.
The history of Casa da Mesquitela has deep roots, with its construction beginning in the late 16th century and extending through the 17th and 18th centuries. Over the years, the manor house witnessed crucial moments in Portuguese history. In the 18th century, it acquired a strategic function, serving as headquarters during the third Napoleonic invasion. Later, during the Liberal Wars, Casa da Mesquitela was the support point for Brigadier Manuel Cardoso de Faria Pinto, lord of the property and general of D. Miguel, directly linking it to the conflicts of the era.
This property, once a noble residence, is today recognized and protected as a Property of Public Interest, a classification that reflects its cultural and historical importance for the region. The materials used in its construction, such as granite, stonework, wood, roof tiles, and azulejos, are elements that endure through time and tell the rich narrative of a built heritage centuries old.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.58622034,-7.74687159
Coordinates DMS: 40°35'10.4"N 07°44'48.7"W
Weather Mangualde Gare
On-duty Pharmacy Mangualde Gare
