Casa do Outeiro

This 16th century manor house hosts treasures of a rich cultural identity and blooming beauty of a hidden jewel.

How to Get There

From Porto Airport: Take the motorway A3 to Braga/Valença. At th km76 leave the motorway in the exit signposted Ponte da Barca/Ponte de Lima. After paying the toll, turn right to Ponte de Lima. 2 km after you will come to a roundabout, continue straight on and 1,5km after you will find another roundabout. Turn right to Viana do Castelo and 500m after you will come to a third roundabout just before the bridge. Continue straight crossing the river Lima. Upon reaching the other side of the river, turn right, after the gas station, onto the north bank road to Arcos de Valdevez and Valença. Proceed slowly for about 200 metres and take the first sharp turn left, which is just after a brown tiled building. It is easy to miss, and there is a very small sign on the wall saying Casa do Outeiro. Go slowly along a narrow lane for about 400 metres and turn sharp right immediately after the church on the right. There is a sign to Outeiro but it may not be easy to see. About 50 metres along this cobbled narrow lane take the left fork and continue along the cobbled lane, including up a small hill bearing left to the end. This is about 500 metres in total. At the end of the lane you will see a white wall with a gap in the middle which is the entrance to Casa do Outeiro.

GPS coordinates
Lat: 41.773864
Long: -8.598127

Casa do Outeiro is located in Santa Marinha de Arcozelo, a small district of Ponte de Lima probably with the highest concentration of manor houses in the Lima valley. However, this 16th century manor house hosts treasures of a rich cultural identity and blooming beauty of a hidden jewel.

The manor house of the estate was restored in 1723, with a new balcony and main gate built in 1787. Construction of the house’s adjoining chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição was started in 1774, but it is not yet completed. In 1809, during the 2nd French Invasion, Casa do Outeiro was taken by General Soult’s soldiers, that established here their headquarters. Through generations, the estate steadily grew in size, and by the mid 19th century, it became one of the largest manors in northern Portugal.

It has since regained its composure and combines comfort with the aesthetic charm of a noble house, nestling between pleasant chestnut trees and extraordinary gardens. Its grand 16th century stone-pillared fireplace in the kitchen is unforgettable. Alongside Outeiro is an enchanting stone aqueduct covered in ivy, which can be viewed from the veranda.