Category: Civil Architecture > Palace
District: Viseu > São Pedro do Sul > São Pedro do Sul
The Reriz Palace rises in the locality of São Pedro do Sul, dominating the town centre from Praça da República, formerly known as Largo Rainha D. Amélia. It is located in the oldest part of the settlement, lending a historical and notable presence to the urban landscape.
Its prominent position and the singular dimension of its construction make it one of the most visible and recognisable buildings, marking the transition between the newer areas and the historic core of the city.
The construction of this imposing residential palace dates back to the early 18th century, between the years 1715 and 1730. Its erection was an initiative of D. Diogo Francisco de Almeida e Vasconcelos, a nobleman of the Royal Household and a prominent figure of the time, being one of the founders of the influential Real Companhia dos Vinhos do Alto Douro.
Since its origin, the Reriz Palace served as the main residence of his family, the Lords of Quinta do Testamento, in Reriz. Its classification as a Property of Public Interest, since 1977, recognises its cultural and historical importance.
The Reriz Palace is a significant example of Portuguese civil Baroque, characterised by its large volume and a remarkable sobriety that distinguishes it from traditional regional manor houses. Its main façade, oriented south, presents a notable dignity, with rectangular windows and elaborate pediments that enhance its elegance.
At the centre of the main façade, an entrance portal with an ornate pediment displays the coat of arms of the Almeida family, adding a touch of nobility and distinction. The equally impressive side façade is marked by several stone bay windows, demonstrating the mastery of 18th-century construction. Inside, a U-shaped courtyard, decorated with a Tuscan colonnade, leads to the gardens.
In the late 19th century, the Reriz Palace gained an additional dimension by becoming a frequent place of stay for Queen D. Amélia and the Portuguese Royal Family. During their visits to the famous Thermal Baths of São Pedro do Sul, the queen and her entourage would lodge in this manor house, which, on these occasions, assumed the role of a Royal Palace.
The royal presence led to some adaptation and enlargement works on the building, including the construction of an additional wing to accommodate more rooms and the glazing of the cloister. These stays conferred added prestige to the palace and enriched its interior heritage, which includes collections of furniture, paintings, and ceramics from the 18th and 19th centuries.
In addition to its external grandeur, the Reriz Palace integrates a harmonious set of green spaces and interior areas. The central U-shaped courtyard provides access to walled gardens that extend to the level of the house's first floor. These gardens, decorated with boxwood beds and a central tank, invite a calmer appreciation of the environment.
Inside, the atrium is adorned with blue and white patterned tiles and a monumental stone staircase leading to the upper floors. The main divisions, such as the Noble Hall, the Living Room, and the Dining Room, reveal wood-paneled ceilings and stone-framed doors, which contribute to the stately ambiance that the palace preserves.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.76155005,-8.08338526
Coordinates DMS: 40°45'41.6"N 08°05'0.2"W
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