Quinta de Chão de São Francisco and Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Escravos

District: Viseu > Viseu > São João de Lourosa > Lourosa de Baixo

Location

Located in the area of Lourosa de Baixo, in the parish of São João de Lourosa, municipality of Viseu, Quinta de Chão de São Francisco and its chapel are set in a landscape that blends the tranquility of the countryside with proximity to a more populated area. The property is integrated into surroundings that, although part of an urbanized area, still preserve the essence of a traditional Portuguese farm estate, offering a glimpse of the rural landscape of the Viseu region.

The House and Its History

The main house of Quinta de Chão de São Francisco, once also known as Casa de Treixedo, is a building believed to have been erected in the 18th century. Over the centuries, this noble residence was the setting for the lives of important families from the region, such as the Queirós Pinto de Ataíde e Melo, who found refuge here in times of conflict. Its architecture reflects the manorial tradition of the era, and the property also includes various constructions supporting agricultural activity, such as presses, a winery, and an oven, elements that bear witness to the quinta's strong connection to rural production.

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Slaves

An integral part of this historical complex is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Escravos (Our Lady of the Slaves). Its construction dates back to 1660, making it older than the quinta's house itself. This chapel was erected out of devotion by the former residents of the property, revealing the importance of faith in the daily lives of the families who resided there. Its religious and historical significance has been preserved over time, having undergone careful restoration in 2005, which allowed its integrity and beauty to be maintained.

The Gardens and the Current Landscape

Complementing the structure of the house and the agricultural buildings, the gardens of Quinta de Chão de São Francisco offer a space of serenity. A highlight is a fountain, adorned with a niche of Saint Francis, which marks the separation between the house and this garden area, inviting contemplation. The surroundings of the quinta, where vineyards are currently present, link its agricultural past to a renewed vocation, keeping the tradition of the land alive in the Viseu landscape.

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