Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House
District: Viseu > Vouzela > Carvalhal de Vermilhas > Chã
Solar da Corujeira is situated in the place of Chã, in the picturesque locality of Carvalhal de Vermilhas, in the municipality of Vouzela. Its position, mid-slope and somewhat isolated, offers an enveloping view of the surrounding landscape. It is flanked by agricultural land and a public path, integrating into an area that reveals remarkable scenic interest.
This imposing building, known as Solar da Corujeira, dates back to the 18th century, bearing witness to a period of wealth and prosperity in the region. The house was conceived as an affluent residence, with two distinct floors: the upper, nobler floor served as the dwelling for the owners, while the ground floor was intended for storage, granaries, and a wine cellar, highlighting the agricultural and supportive functions of the seigniorial life of that time.
Its private chapel, a notable element of the complex, was built in 1778 by order of José Alves Cardoso de Figueiredo, a bachelor from the University of Coimbra. Dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the chapel received its blessing at the beginning of that same year, enriching the solar with a private place of worship.
Solar da Corujeira features a longitudinal and irregular plan, forming an "L", with articulated volumes that emphasize a horizontal layout. The main façade, facing east, is the one that displays the greatest decorative richness. Upon approaching, one observes a rectangular main portal, adorned with volutes and topped by a curved triangular pediment, motifs that are repeated in the four side windows, highlighting the Baroque elegance of the ensemble.
The private chapel, although integrated into the same plane as the main façade, has an independent orientation. Its architectural elements include a segmental arch portal and large windows that flood the interior with light. Curiously, the gate providing access to the inner courtyard on the rear sides of the solar stands out for its greater decorative opulence in comparison with the main door of the residence, a particularity that reflects the customs and hierarchies of the era.
Inside the single-nave chapel, the choir loft, supported by a wooden arch, and the pulpit stand out, elements that invite contemplation. The focal point is, undoubtedly, the main altar, a carved altarpiece that, once gilded, dates from the second half of the 18th century. This altarpiece is a notable work of the period, with its five open niches, framed by elaborate shellwork and valances. The pilasters and columns that divide the panels are richly decorated with the artistic vocabulary of the Rococo, and the central area is topped by a broken pediment, where figures of angels can be seen.
The details extend to the window frames, both exterior and interior, which are intensely decorated with shell motifs and rosettes, evidencing the care and refinement in construction. Some interior rooms also feature geometric marbled paneling, adding a touch of sophistication to the space.
Currently, Solar da Corujeira is vacant, which allows one to glimpse its original structure in granite, plaster, and wood. Although time has left its marks, especially in the rear areas, the imposing nature of the Baroque architecture and the richness of its details remain visible, inviting a close look at this piece of Vouzela's history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.675011588889, -8.1502898
Coordinates DMS: 40°40'30.0"N 08°09'1.0"W
On-duty Pharmacy Carvalhal de Vermilhas
