Palacete Visconde de Trevões

Palacete Visconde de Trevões is a historic small palace in Matosinhos, on the coast just north of Porto, Portugal. Today it houses the Matosinhos Memory Museum (Museu da Memória de Matosinhos), making it one of the best places to understand the story of this port town.

Who built it, and when?

The building dates from 1909 and was commissioned by Emídio Ló Ferreira. He came from Trevões, spent part of his life in Matosinhos, and then emigrated to Brazil, where he worked in construction and the rubber trade. He made his fortune there and was granted the noble title of Viscount of Trevões (Visconde de Trevões), which gave the palace its name.

The house is a good example of the residences that wealthy returnees from Brazil built in Portugal in the early twentieth century, a visible sign of success and standing in their home region.

How has the building been used?

In 1955 the Matosinhos municipality (Câmara Municipal) bought the property. Since then it has served several public functions. It has been an industrial and commercial school and a lyceum, and it has also housed the municipal library and the headquarters of the municipal police. Before that, it was the private residence of the viscount.

This long public life means many locals have personal memories of the place, whether from school, from borrowing books, or from dealing with the city administration.

What to see inside

The highlight of the interiors is the Mirror Room (Sala dos Espelhos). It has been fully restored and keeps its original decoration. For anyone interested in early twentieth-century interiors, it is the stop not to miss.

Since 2021 the palace has been home to the Matosinhos Memory Museum. Its exhibition follows the history of the town from ancient times to the present day, linking Matosinhos's past with its present. It is a sensible first stop before heading to the seafront and the port.

Restoration

In 2017 the building underwent an extensive rehabilitation in a project by architect Ana Crista. The work prepared the palace for its new cultural role while preserving valuable elements of the historic interior.

Practical tips

• Allow at least an hour to see the museum and the interiors without rushing.
• Check current opening hours and ticket prices on the museum or Matosinhos municipality website before you go.
• The palace combines easily with a walk through central Matosinhos and a trip to the beach.
• Photographers will enjoy the interior details, especially the Mirror Room.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a museum inside the palace? Yes. The Matosinhos Memory Museum opened here in 2021.

Who was the Viscount of Trevões? Emídio Ló Ferreira, an entrepreneur who made his money in Brazil in construction and rubber, and who received the title of viscount.

When was the palace built? In 1909.

Who owns it today? The Matosinhos municipality, which acquired it in 1955.

Is it worth a visit? Yes, if you are interested in the history of the Porto region, early twentieth-century architecture, and interiors with preserved decoration such as the Mirror Room.