Mateus - Solar de Mateus Attractions

Mateus is a village about 4km/2.5mi east of Vila Real, and owes its fame to the manor of the Counts of Vila Real, the Solar de Mateus, considered to be a perfect example of Portuguese Baroque. Although the Mangualde family still live there, parts of it are open to the public. Inside the palace there are magnificent wood ceilings as well as valuable furniture, carpets, paintings and silverware, and an interesting porcelain collection. The small private museum contains correspondence between members of the Mangualde family and royalty and other famous people, as well as engravings for Camoes' Lusiades.

However, the beauty of the gardens actually surpasses that of the Solar de Mateus, and the ancient tunnel formed by topiaried thuya is a minor work of art; the trees allow scarcely any light to enter.