Solar das Guedes*Guedes Manor*

Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House

District: Viseu > Moimenta da Beira > Moimenta da Beira > Guedes

Location

Solar das Guedes is located in the heart of Moimenta da Beira, in the area also known as Guedes, within the municipality of Moimenta da Beira. The building is situated in Terreiro da Freiras, a spacious and open area that harmonizes with the natural slope of the terrain. The lateral facades of the manor delimit some of the local streets, and its surrounding area to the south offers a pleasant raised flowerbed, with small shrubs and stone benches, an invitation to rest and contemplate the urban surroundings.

Origin and Purpose

Dating from the second half of the 18th century, Solar das Guedes was built on the initiative of Jerónimo de Gouveia de Sarmento Falcão and Josefa Benedicta Pereira de Vasconcelos, members of an illustrious family from the region. The construction of this noble house carried with it a vision for the future: the desire of its founders that, after their death, the manor would be transformed into a hospital or school, to serve the local community.

Trajectory and Current Use

The history of Solar das Guedes is marked by a journey of transformations. Although the initial intention of its builders was not immediately realized, the great-granddaughter and last heiress of the family, D. Carolina Cândida Guedes Osório de Gouvea e Vasconcelos, donated the building to the Municipality of Moimenta da Beira in 1923, reinforcing the desire for a social purpose. However, it was only after several decades and different occupations (such as a GNR barracks, fire department garage, or rural school) that the manor returned to municipal possession in 1984. In 2003, this historic space was finally inaugurated as the Aquilino Ribeiro Municipal Library, paying homage to the notable writer associated with these lands and fulfilling a purpose of public utility.

Architectural and Artistic Heritage

Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1982, Solar das Guedes is a valuable example of 18th-century architecture, with characteristic features of the Rococo style. The main facade, with its two floors, stands out for the elaborate granite stonework that frames the openings. Above the main portal, a distinct balcony is crowned by the Guedes coat of arms, a symbol of the family's lineage. Inside, the manor surprises with its granite-slabbed vestibule and an imposing staircase. On the upper floor, the meticulously painted wooden ceilings are noteworthy. The paintings, which depict sacred scenes, allegories of the Four Seasons, and moments of family life, are considered unique pieces in the region, inviting appreciation of the art and history that fill this space.

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