Palácio de Mateus, Vila Real
Palácio de Mateus
The Palácio de Mateus, 3.5 km outside of Vila Real, the Trás-os-Montes region of north east Portugal, is believed to be the work of the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni (1691-1773).
Nasoni was very active in northern Portugal in his day designing such iconic buildings as the Torre dos Clérigos and Igreja da Misericórdia in Porto.
This fine Portuguese manor house done mostly in granite can be seen on the labels of bottles of Mateus Rosé wine.
History
The palace was constructed in the Italian Baroque style for a local aristocrat, António José Botelho Mourão, and is set in wonderful formal gardens.
The interior is noted for its carved wooden ceilings, ornate staircases with balustrades and period furniture.
Rooms of special interest include the Sala do Tijolo with portraits of Portuguese monarchs and the Salão de Entrada (Entrance Room) with its chestnut ceiling featuring the coat of arms of António José Botelho Mourão.
Tours
Visitors taken on guided tours can admire the 17th and 18th century paintings on the walls and the library, which contains an early edition of Os Lusíadas by Luís de Camões (1524-1580).
Gardens
The gardens are a delight with avenues of cypress and cedar trees, trimmed boxwood hedges, ponds and statues. In season roses, camellias and magnolia are all in bloom. The chestnut and oaks were added in the 1970s.
The tour of the house includes the garden as well as the ornate chapel plus a wine tasting in the winery including the fine Alvarelhão rosé.
The Palácio de Mateus now hosts art exhibitions and classical music concerts.
Information
Palácio de Mateus
Fundação da Casa de Mateus
5000-291 Vila Real
Tel: (+351) 259 323 121
www: casademateus.com
From June to September 9 am to 7.30 pm; October, March, April and May 9 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm; November to February 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm; Closed on 25 December
From Vila Real take a city bus Line 1 (Lordelo-UTAD). By car the palace is within reasonable driving distance of Porto, Viseu, Chaves and Bragança.
Getting to Vila Real
Train Travel in Portugal
Vila Real is no longer connected by railway.
Car Travel in Portugal
Vila Real is 120 km southwest of Bragança on the IP4/A4 motorway. Take the N332 in the direction of Sabrosa for Casa de Mateus and Panóias. Vila Real is 30 km north of Régua on the A24.
Bus Travel in Portugal
Vila Real is served by various bus companies. The bus station is close to the Mercado Municipal for long distance buses and local Corgobus buses to the Palácio de Mateus.
Vila Real has bus connections to Porto (1 hour, 30 minutes), Lisbon (5 hours), Braga (2 hours, 40 minutes), Bragança (2 hours), Chaves (1 hour, 10 minutes), Guimaraes (1 hour, 30 minutes), Lamego (45 minutes), Miranda do Douro (3 hours) and Mirandela (1 hour).
Portugal Hotel & Hostel Accommodation
Vila Real has a variety of places to stay including the recommended Hotel Miracorgo, the Residencial Encontro, the 2-star Hotel Miranave, and the 4-star Quinta do Paço Hotel near Casa de Mateus.
See here for a full listing of hotel accommodation in Vila Real.
Featured Hotel
The Quinta de Santo António
Rua das Quintas, s/n, Raia-Mateus, 5000-284 Vila Real, Portugal.
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