House of Carrazedo—also known as Solar da Boaventura or Solar de Nossa Senhora do Rosário (named after the dedication of its chapel)—is an imposing manor house located in the civil parish of São Pedro do Bragado, within the municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar.

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Location

The manor stands at the entrance to the village of Carrazedo da Cabugueira, on the left side of the road connecting Vilela and Adagoi (approaching from Bornes). Due to its substantial volume, the building is visible from a great distance.

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History and Architecture

The current appearance of Casa de Carrazedo is the result of a remodeling—likely carried out in the mid-19th century—of an older building. Traces of this original structure remain visible in the series of arches and corbels supporting the inner courtyard balcony.

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Style: The exterior is characterized by a restrained, Neoclassical-inspired design, notable for the rhythmic spacing of its numerous windows.

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Pediment: The main façade is crowned by a triangular pediment featuring an elegant carved coat of arms.

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Heraldry

The coat of arms of Casa de Carrazedo consists of a quartered shield, surrounded by plant-like ornamentation and topped by a silver helmet (without a crest).​

 

Coat of Arms Composition

1st and 4th Quarters (Sousa/Chichorro): Argent (silver), featuring the five *quinas* (escutcheons) arranged in a cross (representing early Portugal) and a lion purpure (purple), armed and langued azure (blue).

2nd Quarter (Machado—modern): Gules (red), featuring five axes argent (silver) with hafts of or (gold).

3rd Quarter (Almeida): Gules (red), featuring a double cross between six bezants of or (gold), with a bordure of the same metal. Note: The interpretation of these coats of arms is complex, possibly reflecting the alliance between Manuel Borges de Sousa and Maria de Almeida (Machado); they were adopted by Dr. Luís de Sousa Machado and his successors during the 19th-century remodeling.

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Social and Genealogical Connections

Historically, the owners of the manor maintained a close connection with the governance of the municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar, holding prominent positions. Through marriage alliances, the manor became the repository of the genealogical heritage of important families in the region:

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Machado Branch: Originating from the *morgadio* (entailed estate) of São Marcos de Vilarinho (in the parish of Capeludos) and linked to Gonçalo Borges and Guiomar Machado.​

 

Almeida Family: Linked to the lineage of Maria de Almeida, who held one of the offices of judicial notary and public notary for Vila Pouca de Aguiar.