Mateus Palace in Vila Real: visit, gardens, opening hours and how to get there from Porto
Mateus Palace (Casa de Mateus) is an 18th-century baroque manor near Vila Real in northern Portugal, about 1 h 15 by road from Porto. Its white facade and gardens are the ones on the Mateus wine label. Sources disagree on prices: expect about 12.50 EUR for the outside visit only (chapel and gardens) and up to 25 EUR for the guided visit of the interior. Check casademateus.pt before you go.
Highlights
The facade and the pond
The baroque facade is reflected in the pond in front of the palace: this is the classic photo of the place.
The gardens
Avenues of cypress and cedar, trimmed boxwood, ponds and statues; several visitors say the gardens alone are worth the ticket.
The guided interior visit
It includes the palace and the chapel; some travellers find it less memorable than the gardens. Interior visits run at set times.
Practical info
Tips
- Pick the ticket that suits you: gardens only (cheaper) or guided visit with a wine tasting (up to about 30 EUR for the full package according to a review site, to be checked). Book the tasting in advance. Combine with the Douro Valley or Lamego; to choose a tour, see which Douro excursion.
How to get there
The easiest way is by car (see car rental in Porto and the Douro drive), or a guided excursion from Porto offered by several operators (allow 6 to 9 hours; lunch is often not included). Public transport is not practical: not verified.
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
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