Palácio do Conde da Azarujinha

Palácio do Conde da Azarujinha is a neoclassical mansion with two stories, where both the ground floor and upper level are clearly visible. The estate includes a church, a bandstand, and a fountain structure that form part of the overall composition.

The building served as the General Headquarters for King Pedro IV's army during the Portuguese Liberal Wars, where the surrender document was signed in 1834. This military role represented a crucial moment in the nation's history.

The estate bears the name of the Count of Azarujinha, a noble title granted to António Augusto Dias de Freitas by King Carlos of Portugal in 1890. This title linked the family to a position of local prominence during that period.

The site can be explored on foot, as the church is separated from the main building by a small street but remains easily accessible. It helps to allow time for each area to understand the different structures and their layout.

The Count divided his property into 200 small plots called courelas, with 90 located in São Bento do Mato and others nearby. This division was a strategy to encourage settlement and grow the local population.