Biodiversity Exhibition at Casa de Mateus
Exhibition dedicated to biodiversity in the historic gardens of Casa de Mateus, in Vila Real. An initiative by the Casa de Mateus International Institute celebrating the region's natural richness.
Casa de Mateus, one of Portugal's most iconic baroque manor houses, hosts the opening of the Biodiversity Exhibition on June 25, 2026, at 5:30 PM, organised by the Casa de Mateus International Institute. This initiative invites the public to discover the extraordinary biological diversity flourishing in the iconic gardens and surrounding estate.
Best known for its imposing baroque façade — immortalised on the labels of Mateus rosé wine — and its formal gardens with centuries-old box hedges, Casa de Mateus is also a haven of fauna and flora reflecting the ecological richness of Trás-os-Montes. The exhibition presents the inventory and conservation work carried out in recent years, showcasing the plant and animal species inhabiting this protected cultural landscape.
Visitors can expect informative panels, photographs, botanical specimens, and educational materials illustrating the relationship between built heritage and natural heritage. The exhibition complements the customary visit to the palace interiors, chapel, and gardens, offering a new layer of interpretation of this site classified as a National Monument.
The Casa de Mateus International Institute is a leading cultural foundation in Portugal, organising concerts, artistic residencies, workshops, and exhibitions throughout the year. Admission includes access to the gardens, which reach their floral peak in June with roses, lavender, and aromatic plants in full bloom.
Casa de Mateus is located just minutes from Vila Real's centre and is one of the main tourist attractions in the Douro region. Combining the exhibition visit with a stroll through the estate is highly recommended, ideally ending with a tasting of regional wines produced in the surrounding vineyards.
