Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House
District: Viseu > Carregal do Sal > Oliveira do Conde > Albergaria
The Solar dos Soares de Albergaria is located in Oliveira do Conde, a locality in the municipality of Carregal do Sal. This imposing manor house is situated in an urban environment, but enjoys natural seclusion, as it is set within an extensive property. The estate covers approximately 25 hectares, two of which are dedicated to well-maintained gardens and the remainder to dense woodlands.
The property, slightly inclined, borders the public road, but maintains its privacy and distinct atmosphere, shielded by a wall that separates it from the outside. Its size and the presence of extensive green areas provide it with a unique setting within the locality.
This remarkable manor house has its roots in the early 16th century, having been founded by Tristão Soares de Albergaria. Over the centuries, the building acquired its current appearance through significant interventions, mainly in the 17th and 18th centuries. Its historical relevance is underscored by the fact that it was the foremost among the eight noble houses of Oliveira do Conde, according to the "Parish Memoirs of 1758".
It was a setting for notable events, even receiving a visit from King D. Pedro II in the 18th century, after improvement works. Although it went through a period of abandonment and degradation in the 19th century, it underwent a careful restoration in the early 20th century, which restored its splendor. Currently, the Solar dos Soares de Albergaria is classified as a Property of Public Interest, recognizing its heritage and cultural value.
The Solar dos Soares de Albergaria is a beautiful example of Mannerist architecture. Its structure consists of two main sections, connected by a wall where the noble gate opens. This gate stands out for the imposing coat of arms of the Soares de Albergaria family, an element that immediately signifies the nobility of the place.
The house is distinguished by its austere lines and the regularity of its windows, which retain their original 17th-century lattice windows. The facades feature balconies and porches that contribute to its sober elegance. Inside, the layout around a central courtyard and the presence of a loggia on the ground floor, which connects the two main wings, reflect the architectural norms of the era. On the noble floor, visitors can appreciate the distinctive coffered ceilings, adorned with intricate geometric designs, testimonies to the decorative richness of their time.
In addition to the main house, the manor's property reveals a set of elements that enrich the visitor's experience. The gardens, designed in the early 20th century, occupy two hectares and extend along three long axes, marked by boxwood parterres and a wide variety of floral and arboreal species, such as roses, camellias, orange trees, magnolias, and different types of cedars.
The outdoor environment is punctuated by charming seating areas with benches and vine-covered pergolas, creating pleasant spaces. A small pool, designed by António Lino, is another highlight of the garden, fed by running water from a nearby well. Traversing the property, a stream flows partially beneath the garden. At the end of the boxwood beds, a notable cedar specimen dominates the landscape, while an adjacent grove offers an impressive collection of trees, including sequoias and araucarias. At the extremity of the manor is its private chapel, built in 1666, with a single nave and a polychrome carved altarpiece displaying an expressive representation of the Tree of Jesse.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.4372784,-7.98343934
Coordinates DMS: 40°26'14.2"N 07°59'0.4"W
Weather Oliveira do Conde
On-duty Pharmacy Oliveira do Conde
