Paço dos Távoras, Town hall in Mirandela, Portugal
The Paço dos Távoras is a Baroque building sitting at Mirandela's highest point with views toward the Rio Tua valley. The three-story structure now functions as the municipal seat, housing administrative offices and council chambers for local government.
The structure grew from a medieval tower built in 1282 that was extensively renovated in the early 1700s to become a noble residence. The transformation commissioned by Marquês António Luís de Távora marked a complete change in how the building was used and perceived.
The coat of arms on the facade tells the story of the building's connection to two different noble families across its long existence. The heraldic symbols visible today mark the shift in power and ownership that shaped the residence.
The building sits centrally at Mirandela's highest point and is easily reached on foot from the town center. As the town hall, it serves as a helpful landmark for visitors navigating the historic district.
Local lore speaks of a hidden well somewhere on the property that reportedly contains treasures connected to the Távora family's past. This forgotten feature remains a captivating detail in the town's stories about the building.
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