Palácio de Sobre-Ribas

Just beyond the arch, you’re greeted by an ornate entrance, rich in naturalistic details, and an unmistakable feature of the Manueline style. One look at the intricate stonework tells you that you’re at the foot of the Palácio de Sobre-Ribas. As its name suggests, the palace was built sobre ribas, meaning above the river. This former noble residence is made up of two main parts. On your right, stands the Casa de Cima, or “Upper House.” It all began here around 1514, when a man named João Vaz began transforming what was once a defensive tower, called the Torre da Contenda, into a grand private home. To give his future home the elegance it deserved, João Vaz enlisted the help of João de Ruão, also known as Jean de Rouen, a French sculptor invited to Portugal by King Manuel I. A major figure of the Portuguese Renaissance, he gave the palace a remarkable entrance, finely crafted windows, and bas-reliefs depicting warriors, nobles, mythological figures, and more. The result was truly exceptional for its time. Between 1542 and 1547, João Vaz expanded the estate by acquiring the buildings across the street to your left. This became the Casa de Baixo, or “Lower House.” To connect the two wings, he added the covered walkway above the road. Declared a national monument in 1910, the Palacio de Sobre-Ribas now houses part of the Institute of Archaeology, within the Faculty of Arts at the University of Coimbra.