Picture the grand Paço de Ançariz. Its imposing gate proudly displays the year 1662. This magnificent manor house stands as a testament to Escudeiros’ rich history. Escudeiros a small village near Braga was once a thriving parish. It held a special place in the hearts of many.
In the 16th century D Diogo de Sousa chose Escudeiros for a summer retreat. He built the Paço de Ançariz a grand estate where he indulged in his passion for hunting. The Archbishop later acquired this property through an exchange of lands in Braga. Manuel da Costa e Vasconcelos a local lord added his own mark. He commissioned the impressive coat of arms that adorns the Paço. This intricate design features three wavy bands a half-crescent and a fleur-de-lis.
Another notable building in Escudeiros is the Casa da Granja. Dating back to the mid-18th century this house boasts a stunning coat of arms. Its design includes a serpent a floreated cross five eight-pointed stars and a serpent from another coat of arms. Constantino Bravo Pereira do Lago a sergeant-major who served in Brazil commissioned it. He returned to Portugal a wealthy man. He died in 1762 and is buried in the Capela da Senhora do Rosário. This chapel is located near the parish church.
Escudeiros was not merely a place of grand houses. It was also a significant stop for pilgrims traveling the ancient route to Santiago de Compostela. Signs of this historical pilgrimage remain visible today. One place pilgrims rested was a small lodging in the area called Pousada. Nearby at a place called Hospital a house still stands. It probably once provided assistance to the pilgrims.
Sadly Escudeiros as an independent parish ceased to exist. On January 28th 2013 it became part of the União das Freguesias de Escudeiros e Penso. Yet the legacy of Escudeiros endures. Its history echoes in the stones of its buildings. Its spirit lives on in the stories of its inhabitants. The Paço de Ançariz and Casa da Granja stand as silent witnesses to the lives and events that shaped Escudeiros. They serve as reminders of its remarkable past. Today Escudeiros may be smaller but its historical significance remains undeniable. The echoes of past residents and pilgrims still resonate within this fascinating place.