Fundação da Casa de Mateus
About This Museum
The Casa de Mateus feels less like a museum and more like a grand, slumbering estate that has simply paused in the 18th century. Its iconic, almost theatrical baroque façade, reflected perfectly in the garden's water mirror, is an image seared into the memory of anyone who visits. Inside, the rooms are intimate and personal, filled with family portraits, gilded furniture, and a palpable sense of history. Wandering the geometrically precise boxwood gardens is as essential as the house tour itself.
Collection Highlights
Look for the intricate 18th-century Italian woodcarvings that adorn the private chapel and the library's remarkable collection of ancient texts. The family portraits lining the walls tell a continuous story of lineage that feels immediate, not distant.
Visitor Information
You'll need to join one of their guided tours to see inside the mansion—they run regularly and are the only way to get the full story. Be sure to leave plenty of time to simply get lost in those magnificent formal gardens on your own afterward.
Architecture & Building
A stunning example of Portuguese Baroque with strong Italianate influences, most famous for its undulating roofline and ornate stonework that gives the main house its unforgettable silhouette.
Contact & Location
Address: Palácio de Mateus, Rua da Estrada Nacional 322, Bairro do Além, Abambres, Mateus, Vila Real, 5000-266, Portugal
Phone: +351 259 323 121
Website: Visit Website
