Casa de Mateus Foundation
Vila Real
Mateus Palace, also known locally as Casa de Mateus, is a remarkable baroque palace located in the civil parish of Mateus, Vila Real, Portugal. Constructed mainly between 1739 and 1743 under the guidance of architect Nicolau Nasoni, the palace replaced an earlier family house from the early 1600s. The estate comprises three main buildings: the manor house, the winery dating from the 16th century, and a chapel. The palace is famous for its elegant rectangular plan, featuring a main courtyard with a reflective ornamental pond and a U-shaped courtyard closed by a balustrade and baroque statue guards. Its interiors boast intricately carved chestnut wood ceilings, period furniture, 17th and 18th-century paintings, and a rich library. The gardens surrounding the palace evolved over centuries, with significant expansions and additions such as a lake that mirrors the manor and a notable sculpture by João Cutileiro installed in 1981. The palace has been classified as a National Monument since 1910 and is owned by the Mateus Foundation. It is also internationally recognized as the namesake of the Mateus rosé wine brand. Visitors can enjoy the harmonious blend of architecture, art, and nature that makes Mateus Palace a unique cultural landmark in northern Portugal.
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Tipp: The best time to visit Mateus Palace is during spring and early autumn when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is pleasant. It is advisable to check opening hours in advance on the official website and consider purchasing tickets beforehand to avoid queues. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours can enrich the experience by providing historical context and highlighting architectural details.
Interessante Fakten
- •Mateus Palace inspired the label and name of the internationally famous Mateus rosé wine.
- •The palace features intricately carved chestnut wood ceilings and a library with numerous historic books.
- •A sculpture of a sleeping woman by João Cutileiro was installed in the palace lake in 1981.
- •The palace was classified as a National Monument in 1910, underlining its historical significance.
Geschichte
The Mateus Palace was built in the 18th century, likely between 1739 and 1743, replacing an earlier family residence from the early 1600s.
The winery buildings on the estate date back to the 16th century but were modified in the 1800s.
The palace was authorized by António José Botelho Mourão, the 3rd Morgado of Mateus, and designed with input from architect Nicolau Nasoni.
In 1910, the palace was classified as a National Monument, reflecting its cultural and historical importance.
Over the centuries, the gardens were planted and expanded, notably in the 1700s, 1870, 1930, and further modified in the mid-20th century, including the addition of a lake and sculptures.
Ortsführer
Manor House18th century
The main building of Mateus Palace, featuring baroque architecture with a rectangular plan open to the west. Inside, visitors can admire carved chestnut wood ceilings, antique furniture, paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, and a historic library.
Winery Buildings16th century (modified 19th century)
Dating back to the 16th century and modified in the 1800s, the winery buildings are part of the estate's historic infrastructure, reflecting the region's longstanding wine production tradition.
Chapel18th century
A small chapel on the estate serving religious functions historically tied to the family and estate community, notable for its architectural integration within the palace complex.
Gardens and Lake18th to 20th centuries
The gardens have evolved since the 1700s with major expansions in the 19th and 20th centuries. The lake added in the mid-20th century acts as a mirror reflecting the manor house. The gardens are also home to a sculpture by João Cutileiro, depicting a sleeping woman installed in 1981.
Kontakt
Telefon: 259 323 121
