Museums and Palaces

The Manor House of Giela is an outstanding example of medieval and modern private civil architecture, classified as National Monuments in 1910. Its origin is deeply linked to the formation of the medieval "Land of Valdevez". The building of the "tower-house" of Giela marks a new era for the protection and regal dominion over the region, highlighting the building for its profound originality and importance. 

Currently the medieval tower and the residential body is visible, with windows of artistic style and gatehouse, mostly built in the sixteenth century.The tower was probably built in the mid-fourteenth century, replacing a small tower abandoned in the eleventh century, and corresponding to an occupation phase of strong medieval influence andforce of the castles. 

After acquired by the Town Council, presents itself now fully recovered, through an innovative rehabilitation project that respects the importance, history and current functional needs. The tower is the element that integrates a musealized space, incorporating three dedicated floors, respectively the Archaeology and human occupation of the county over the past millennia, the evolution and history of the monument itself, as well as the important event linked to the formation of Portugal, called “The Valdevez Tournament”, occurred in 1141, and which opposed Afonso Henriques, first Portuguese king, to his cousin Alfonso VII of Castile and Leon (Spain). 

For all these reasons, the Manor House of Giela is a must visit place in the county and the region, providing unique moments of contact between the past and the new approach models and recovery/asset of our heritage.