WAYFARING WITH COCO // CASA DE MATEUS

Noted as one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in all of Portugal, Mateus Palace is the most picturesque estate I ever did see. Washes of unadulterated white contrasting against vivid and lush overgrowth and paired with immaculately manicured gardens of coordinating white roses. Words can't truly describe the grandeur and opulence such a place exudes. Architectural charm and flamboyant character, sadly no longer replicated or embraced by modern society.

Part of this estate is in fact a private residence, having remained within the same family for generations. Albeit as a mere vacation home. Fancy that. Having such a place to escape to for one or two weeks out of a whole year. And it was through my wonderful friend Jessika who informed me of such an existence. Unbelievably, this estate is a mere twenty minute drive from my parents hometown of Chaves. And after vacationing here on numerous occasions as a child, I had no idea such a place existed. Even more implausibly is that my mothers favourite wine is the Mateus Rose. You know that Portuguese wine with the oddly shaped bottle featuring an illustration of a palace on its label. Yes that same drawing is this very place. And contrary to belief the infamous Mateus vino is not produced using these vineyards. The company merely pays the estate to use their name and image. That said they do bottle their own wine which you can easily sample and purchase here. 

To say I was blown away was an understatement. For one, such grandeur literally lay mere steps away from me unexplored. And secondly that such a site existed in one of my favorite Portuguese towns Vila Real. 

How had such grandeur escaped me for so long? 

Better late then never I suppose.

Entry into the palace grounds are free, however to peruse the interiors a tour guide is needed. Though I'm not one for tours, this is one I highly recommend. The interiors of this Palace are as equally palatial as the outer. Laden with yesteryear and historic relics, I don’t think I’ve ever been quite so taken aback by how grandiose and extensive this collection of antiquities is. 

As some parts remain as a private residence, certain sections are closed to the public. Regardless what remains is more than satisfactory with nearly have of the interiors free to be explored. My favorite room was the library. Another luxurious but intimate room with floor to ceiling shelving housing countless reading material and artwork. Numerous first editions, God knows dating back to when. Books brimming with handwritten tales, mostly on the history of Portugal. Their size about as ostentatious as the estate, some as large as an A3 paper. All hand sewn and bound in leather, their bindings worn with wear, time and narratives. How I wanted to explore each and every single title and I never, ever leave. And how I envied this family for such a covetable collection keepsakes. 

While the interiors are memorable and highly desirable, the grounds also hold their own unique charms. Thoroughly spotted with fanciful hedging alongside an abundance of grape vines. You could spend a good part of your day here wandering delightfully aimlessly. From filigree type hedging and stonework fountains to a mammoth shallow lake boarded by pine trees and blooms. The entire setting feels akin to an exotic Austen novel, architecture mingling with flora easily transporting one to yesteryear. 

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