Alto Alentejo, Évora, Portugal

– Solar dos Barreiros, in Évora

Rua do Cano is the urban stretch where the Água da Prata Aqueduct enters the medieval city. This monumental work, designed by Francisco de Arruda in the 16th century, is classified as a National Monument and is part of the Historic Centre of Évora, inscribed by UNESCO.

An important urban curiosity: since 16th-century Évora, the houses have *leaned* against the arches, creating the famous scene of houses between arcades, which still defines the uniqueness of this street. Studies from the University of Évora (HERCULES) describe *the majestic arches of Rua do Cano* and the way the houses *nest in the recesses of the arches*.

The name *Rua do Cano* is, in fact, prior to the Renaissance aqueduct itself: medieval documentation already mentions the toponym and the *pipes*, evidencing the antiquity of this road linked to the conduction of water.

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Solar dos Barreiros

In the heritage listings of the Municipality of Évora, this building appears as Solar dos Barreiros, with its original core dating back to the 16th century and major transformations in the 18th century. Despite the alterations, it retains interesting structural and facade elements, integrating itself into the ensemble listed by UNESCO.

A precious detail about the interior life of the manor house was recorded by LNEC / DB-Heritage: in 2017, a core of 19th-century mural paintings, datable to the 19th century, was documented in the main hall, on the vault. This erudite decorative program, typical of wealthy residences of the time, demonstrates the social importance of the house and how it was aesthetically updated without losing its architectural matrix.

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13th–17th Centuries – The street is already known as Rua do Cano in medieval sources.

1531–1537 – Construction of the Água da Prata Aqueduct, which shapes the houses on the street.

16th Century – Formation of the original core of the Solar dos Barreiros.

18th Century – Significant construction campaign, redefining volumes and facades.

19th Century – Execution of the mural decoration in the main hall.

20th–21st Centuries – Recognized as a historic mansion within the Historic Center listed by UNESCO.

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The property is structured on four floors, with the following composition:

On the ground floor, we have the art gallery and the space where the wineries are currently located, with direct and exclusive access from the street.

- Entering the garden, also on the ground floor, we find the room with a large bathroom next to the laundry room (boiler, etc.), the space dedicated to the gym, and the room that houses the pool's filtration system. From there, we have two entrances to the house: the staircase to the main entrance and the staircase to the service entrance that leads to the kitchen. - On the first floor, we enter the library and, at the back, is the office, followed by the main entrance hall. From there, we pass to the TV room, another smaller room, and the chapel. The hallway provides access to a storage room, two bedrooms, the bathroom on this floor, and the two large living rooms. From the hall, we also have access to the kitchen with its pantry and access to the terrace.

- On the second floor, there is the master suite, with a walk-in closet and another smaller closet that provides access to the bathroom. Ground floor. On this floor there are two rooms currently used as a laundry/ironing room and storage area with ample closets. There is also a powder room.

- Top floor or tower; this floor is not represented in the plans. Large room currently used as a bedroom with a fireplace.

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Why is this house special? - Rare location: it literally lives in the shadow of the aqueduct arches, one of the most emblematic Renaissance hydraulic works in the country. It preserves traces of the 16th century, 18th-century renovations and erudite 19th-century decoration, being an integral part of the unique landscape of Rua do Cano, where houses and arches coexist in centuries-old harmony.

A piece of paradise, a world apart

Today, Solar dos Barreiros opens itself to new interpretations: unique residence, charming tourist space, cultural center or even a creative refuge. But in whatever destiny it is given, it remains a living symbol. of Évora's identity, a place where every stone tells a story and every room offers a journey through time. - REF: CB03-1196