Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House
District: Viseu > Viseu > Viseu > Bairro Dona Maria do Céu Mendes
The Solar dos Peixotos is located in the heart of Viseu city, in the urban area known as Bairro Dona Maria do Céu Mendes. Its location is privileged, situated between Rua Alves Martins and Rua do Cimo da Vila, allowing the building to stand out in the local urban landscape. Its striking presence integrates into the city fabric, making it accessible to those exploring Viseu's city centre.
This building represents a notable example of 18th-century Baroque architecture. Its structure, with a rectangular plan and two floors, exhibits a notable horizontalist tendency in its masses. The main facade, facing southwest, captures attention with its elegance, evidenced by the use of granite, masonry, and stonework. The noble floor, on the second level, is highlighted by the elaborate design of its windows and wrought-iron balconies, which adorn the exterior. Inside, an imposing main staircase is lit by a large window and culminates in a landing crowned by a distinctive tray ceiling.
The history of Solar dos Peixotos began in 1729, when the building, still under construction, was acquired by António de Loureiro Castelo-Branco e Vasconcelos from his cousin, Canon Nicolau de Almeida Castelo Branco. It is believed that the original design was by the architect Gaspar Ferreira, from Coimbra. For almost two centuries, the manor remained the residence of wealthy families, passing from the Loureiro Castelo-Branco to the Vasconcelos Peixoto family. The building witnessed and was an integral part of crucial moments in national history, from the French Invasions and the Liberal Wars to the establishment of the Republic. Its historical and patrimonial importance is formally recognized, being classified as a Property of Municipal Interest since 1982.
After centuries as a private residence, Solar dos Peixotos underwent a significant transformation in the 20th century. In the 1970s, it was acquired by the Viseu City Council and, in 1979, it underwent restoration and adaptation works. Currently, the old manor serves the city as an important institutional space, housing the headquarters of the Viseu Parish Council and also the Municipal Assembly. This new public vocation made the building a central point for local administration and a symbol of Viseu's civic and democratic life, accessible to the community.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.656259,-7.911868
Coordinates DMS: 40°39'22.5"N 07°54'42.7"W
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