Casa do Curro

Casa do Curro is a 17th-century urban manor house standing in Monção, a small town in Portugal's Minho region right on the border with Spain. The building sits on Praça Deu-la-Deu Martins, the main square of the old town, and its name comes from the former Terreiro do Curro — the name this square carried before it was renamed in honour of the town's legendary defender.

What is the history behind the building?

The house was built in the 17th century as an urban residence for a wealthy family, a representative example of Minho's manorial architecture from that era, pairing a stately facade with a functional living space. Over the following centuries the building changed hands and purpose several times, a common fate for historic properties in small border towns, where successive owners adapted old walls to their current needs. Eventually the structure had deteriorated enough that a thorough conservation effort became necessary.

When and how was it restored?

The turning point in the history of Casa do Curro came in 1984, when the building underwent a deep restoration. The work preserved the historic shape of the structure and the character of its facade while adapting the interior to a new, public role. Since then the building has never stood empty — it now serves the town as a multi-purpose cultural and tourism centre.

What can visitors find inside Casa do Curro today?

Following the restoration, the manor house became one of the focal points of cultural life in Monção. It currently houses:

• an auditorium, used for the town's cultural events;
• Paço do Alvarinho on the first floor, a space dedicated to tasting the region's flagship Alvarinho wine;
• a tourism office, where visitors can get information about Monção and its surroundings;
• an exhibition space, hosting rotating displays related to the town's history and culture;
• a corner dedicated to local products, showcasing traditional sweets and preserves from the region.

This mix of functions makes Casa do Curro something of a showcase for the town — a single stop where a visitor can learn about local history, taste regional wine, and pick up local specialities.

Where exactly is the building located?

Casa do Curro stands on Praça Deu-la-Deu Martins, the main square of Monção's historic centre. The location carries symbolic weight: the square is named after a legendary local woman who, according to local tradition, helped defend the town during a siege. Its proximity to the town walls and other landmarks of the old town means Casa do Curro naturally fits into any walking route through the historic centre.

What are the opening hours?

The building is open to visitors daily from 10:00 to 18:00, making it easy to combine a visit with the rest of Monção's attractions — a walk along the town walls, a look at the old town's churches, or a taste of regional cuisine.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the name Casa do Curro come from? It comes from the former Terreiro do Curro, the old name of the square where the building stands, before it was renamed Praça Deu-la-Deu Martins.

From which century does the building date? The house was built in the 17th century as an urban residence typical of Minho's manorial architecture.

What can you do at Casa do Curro? Visit the exhibition space, stop by the tourism office, taste Alvarinho wine at Paço do Alvarinho, and buy local sweets and preserves.

Is it worth combining with other sights in Monção? Yes — the building stands on the main square of the old town, close to the town walls and the rest of the historic centre's landmarks.