Casa de Mateus
Baroque palace from the 18th century near Vila Real, attributed to Nicolau Nasoni, with a museum, chapel, library, gardens and wine cellar.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Casa de Mateus, near Vila Real, was built in the first half of the 18th century by António José Botelho Mourão, 3rd Morgado de Mateus, and the design is attributed to the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. The chapel, dedicated to Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres, was completed in 1750 by his son, D. Luís António de Sousa Botelho Mourão. The house has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.
The palace is privately owned but serves a cultural function as a museum, and it first opened to the public in April 1961. The Fundação da Casa de Mateus was established in 1970 by D. Francisco de Sousa Botelho Albuquerque, with the aim of preserving the house and making its archive known. Today the foundation also runs programmes of music, literature and visual arts, educational activities and wine tastings.
The complex includes the gardens and park of about twenty hectares, the wine cellar, the Museu da Vinha and the chapel. Inside, the rooms display furniture, carpets, china, clothing and relics, and the library, with about 6000 volumes, holds an illustrated 1816 edition of “Os Lusíadas”.
Highlights
- Baroque façade attributed to Nicolau Nasoni
- House museum with furniture, china and clothing
- Library with an illustrated 1816 edition of “Os Lusíadas”
- Park and gardens of about twenty hectares
- Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres and Museu da Vinha
Permanent exhibition
- Museu da Casa de Mateus – Visit to the rooms of the baroque house, with furniture, china, clothing and relics, and to the house library.
- Founded
- 1961
- Operated by
- Fundação da Casa de Mateus
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €13.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | –Students up to age 25: 25% discount; children aged 6 to 12: 50% discount. |
| Children & teens | –Children aged 6 to 12 receive a 50% discount. |
| Students & apprentices | –Students up to age 25 receive a 25% discount. |
| Families | –There are special family price options (“Famílias em Mateus”). |
| Visit to the Museu da Casa de Mateus | €19Guided visit of about 25 minutes; adults. |
| Special (private) visit to the Casa de Mateus | €27Guided visit of 50 minutes to the museum, the temporary exhibitions and the chapel; adults. |
| Audio guide | €1.50Route through the gardens and the Museu da Vinha. |
The €13.50 price is for the visit to the chapel and park, for adults; the museum visit costs €19.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The foundation offers “Famílias em Mateus”, with family visit options and special prices.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Mateus (igreja paroquial)
Urbanos de Vila Real, line 1 (Lordelo – UTAD), alighting at Mateus, next to the parish church.
Casa de Mateus is 4 km from the centre of Vila Real. The entrance is on the Estrada Nacional 322, opposite the former Rua da Moura.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Wine tastings at Casa de Mateus are available, by appointment.
Events & venue rental
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 25 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Museum visits are guided (25 or 50 minutes). The audio guide accompanies a walk through the gardens and the Museu da Vinha. Visits to the park and chapel are free, and guided visits and wine tastings can be booked via visitas@casademateus.pt. |
