Casa da Calçada

Casa da Calçada is an eighteenth-century manor house in Viseu, in central Portugal, standing on Calçada da Vigia right next to the cathedral square. It is also known as Casa da Vigia. Since 2006 it has been classified as a Property of Public Interest (Imóvel de Interesse Público), and heritage databases list it as a cultural monument of Viseu.

Where is Casa da Calçada?

The house sits in the historic centre of Viseu, on Calçada da Vigia, in the immediate vicinity of the square where the cathedral rises. Its coordinates are roughly 40.6608 N, 7.9097 W. That position makes it easy to include in a single walk around the old town, together with the cathedral and the surrounding lanes.

What is notable about the architecture?

Casa da Calçada is regarded as one of the great examples of noble manor houses in Viseu. It shows the character of eighteenth-century civil architecture, and its especially imposing facade stands out. During restoration the granite staircase and the main entrance were preserved, and above the entrance you can see the coat of arms of the Sampaio e Melo family. Granite is a typical building stone of the region, and its effect on the look of the whole building is easy to see.

How was it restored?

Restoration work began at the end of 2014 and represented an investment of about half a million euros. The aim was not only to save the historic fabric but also to prepare the building for a new role. The result was recognised: the restoration of Casa da Calçada received the National Urban Rehabilitation Award (Prémio Nacional de Reabilitação Urbana) in the category of restoration interventions.

What is it used for today?

The renovated house was prepared to host the heritage collection of the Keil do Amaral family and serves as a museum space devoted to it. After its refurbishment the building also opened to the public for major exhibitions, including a photojournalism show described in the Portuguese press as the largest of its kind in the country. Check the current programme before you go, because exhibitions change over time.

Who is this place for?

• people who enjoy civil architecture and noble residences,
• visitors to Viseu's old town who want to combine the cathedral with a museum stop,
• photography fans and lovers of temporary exhibitions,
• anyone interested in the history of the Beira region and Portuguese noble families.

Frequently asked questions

Which century does Casa da Calçada date from? The eighteenth century. It is a typical example of civil architecture of that time in Viseu.

Is the house a protected monument? Yes. Since 2006 it has been classified as a Property of Public Interest.

Whose coat of arms is at the entrance? The arms of the Sampaio e Melo family, displayed above the main entrance near the granite staircase.

Can I go inside? The building works as a museum and exhibition venue. Opening hours and programme are best checked with the Viseu tourist office or the municipal website.

How much did the restoration cost? About half a million euros; work started at the end of 2014.

Are there other sights nearby? Yes, the cathedral square and the old town centre are right next door, so everything can be seen on foot.