Palácio Vila Flor & Centro Cultural Vila Flor (CCVF), Guimarães
The Palácio Vila Flor in Guimarães is an 18th century palace and garden. Adjacent is the modern Centro Cultural Vila Flor, which opened in 2005.
The Centro Cultural Vila Flor has two auditoriums and is a venue for theatre and concerts, hosting both classical music and contemporary rock and pop.
History
The Palácio Vila Flor was first built as a residence for the local aristocrat Tadeu Luís Fonseca e Camões in 1759.
In the late 19th century the house passed into the hands of António de Moura Soares Veloso, the man behind the finance and construction of the railway between Porto and Guimarães. It hosted the 1st Industrial and Commercial Exposition of Guimarães in 1884.
The next owner was also an industrial magnate, Bernardino Jordão, who provided the first electric lights in the town.
In the 1970's the house was acquired by the municipality of Guimarães. The University of Minho had use of the property for a period, before the building had to be completely renovated.
The new Centro Cultural Vila Flor adjacent to the historic house was opened in 2005.
The gardens have also been restored to much as they once were. They are laid out on several levels connected by stairs. Decorations include ornamental pools, fountains, balustrades and tile work. Boxwood shrubs, camellias and rhododendrons all flourish in the grounds which have excellent views over Guimarães.
The interior of the house is open for occasional art exhibitions and other events.
Centro Cultural Vila Flor
The Centro Cultural Vila Flor has two auditoriums with seating for 800 in the Grand Auditorium and 200 in the Small Auditorium.
The spaces are used for large events, concerts, theater, conferences and seminars.
The Café Concerto, open daily and late on Fridays and Saturdays is a bar and cafe that also hosts live events.
The Vila Flor Restaurant is open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and serves a variety of contemporary Portuguese cuisine.
Access
Av. D. Afonso Henriques, 701
4810-431 Guimarães
Tel: 253 424 700
Admission varies with the production at the CCVF; the palace can be entered using the Guimarães Pass (15 Euros or 18 Euros with the Teleférico).
Hours: 10 am - 1 pm; 2 pm - 7 pm; Tuesday - Saturday.
Consult the official website at www.ccvf.pt for news of the latest performances and events at CCVF.
Nearby
The Centro Cultural Vila Flor (CCVF) is a short 100 metre walk from Guimarães Station. It is also close to the Centro Ciência Viva de Guimarães and the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos.
Hotels in Guimarães include the four star Santa Luzia ArtHotel, the four star EMAJ Boutique Hotel and the Hotel da Oliveira, also four star.
Hotels closer to CCVF are the four star Hotel de Guimarães and the pleasant Stay Hotel Guimarães Centro, adjacent to the railway station. The budget HI Hostel Guimarães - Pousada de Juventude is also in this area of the city.