“Pause for a moment and imagine.” That’s how I always start when introducing a place like Gandarela de Basto. It’s a spot that seems ordinary but holds extraordinary stories. This Vila in the Celorico de Basto region celebrated its 21st anniversary recently.
Gandarela de Basto sits nestled among mountains. The prominent Serra da Lameira looms nearby. In the distance, you can glimpse Monte da Senhora da Graça.
But what truly makes Gandarela de Basto special is a certain estate. It’s known as Casa da Gandarela. It’s been here for centuries. Construction likely occurred during the 17th or 18th century. Francisco Alves de Araújo owned it first. He held the title of captain-major of Celorico de Basto.
Later, in the 19th century, Jerónimo Pacheco de Campos Pereira Leite acquired the house. His descendants still own it today. The house itself features a stone coat of arms and a chapel. Significant renovations took place in the 18th century.
Yet, the garden captivates most visitors. It’s a formal garden designed in the early 20th century. Paulo da Cunha Mourão Carvalho Sotto Mayor conceived its layout. He was the father of the current owner. Joaquim Alves Soares contributed to the garden as well. He belonged to the Basto gardening school. The Pinto Basto sisters founded this school. They taught gardeners to create fantastic topiaries. Camellias, cedars and yews became amazing “green creatures.”
Entering the garden involves passing through iron gates adorned with urns. This leads to a courtyard featuring ancient trees. A trimmed camellia hedge follows. It has small arched windows. From here, a central path leads to a circular lake. A putto statue stands in the lake. Serpentine paths wind through flowerbeds bordered by trimmed boxwood. Topiaries of various shapes dot the landscape. Some are geometric. Others form spirals and arches. Still others resemble stylized figures.
Throughout the garden, you’ll find seating areas with benches. A granite oratory covered in ivy stands against the south wall. It houses an image of Our Lady of Conception. Above the wall are four baroque busts. They represent the four seasons. Granite pyramids also adorn the wall.
A path connects the front garden to the western entrance. It runs between the house and the property boundary wall. In the courtyard, a small chapel and agricultural structures stand. A wall with a large gate borders the courtyard to the west.
Modern life has left its mark. The construction of a highway necessitated a tunnel. This minimized the impact on the estate. Beyond the house and garden, agricultural lands rise. Camellias and vineyards line the paths. Orchards, vegetable gardens and vineyards extend uphill. A large tank sits near the house. Recently, a swimming pool and shaded seating areas were added.
Gandarela de Basto continues to grow and evolve. It balances its rich past with modern developments. The village celebrated its elevation to Vila status. The local leaders seek to attract investment. They also strive to improve services for residents. Gandarela de Basto is a hub ready for the future.