History - Paço de Calheiros

The manor house by the name of Calheiros is situated in a large farm, which in the old days was known as “Pinheiro” farm. It is in the heart of the Lima Valley, in the parish of Santa Eufemia de Calheiros.

The Calheiros family became the establisher owner of this manor house on February 5th 1336, by King D. Afonso IV in Santarém. The boundaries remained unchanged until November 12th 1566 when King D. Sebatião rectified them on behalf of Diogo Lopes Calheiros. Thus everything within those boundaries today belongs to the Calheiros family by right of Royalty, being handed down through the generations to eldest son.

The old manor tower was destroyed at the end of the 17th Century, when the eldest son, Francisco Jácome de Lopes Calheiros ordered the construction of the two towers which still exist today. At the end of the tree-lined drive is a large iron gate with stone pillars, which bears the following Gothic style inscription from 1450.

From this honourable house
Proceeds the Calheiros family
Lord of the Manor

In 1568 an unusual collection of poems and notes called the “Memorial de Calheiros” were written containing a complete detailed history about the family. Diogo Lopes de Calheiros wrote them at the time when he was Lord of the Manor. His father, Garcia Lopes de Calheiros, fought many wars with Castela and Africa for King D. Afonso V and he received rewards return, from D. João II. A stone coat-of-arms can also be seen with five silver shells and three golden stars.

Throughout the Centuries, the manor house has always remained in the Calheiros family. Francisco de Calheiros e Menezes is the present Lord of the Manor and representative of the title “Count of Calheiros”.

Paço de Calheiros has a most impressive entrance with its stone pillar gateway, beautiful tree-lined drive and stone fountain. Here guests are made to feel very welcome as the Count o Calheiros, their courteous host, proudly shows them around his 17th Century family house. This mansion is an imposing building with a tastefully decorated interior, embracing many antique pieces. Beyond the tranquil garden lies a magnificent view of the Lima Valley.