{"id":1660,"date":"2026-05-05T09:34:46","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T09:34:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/castelodonachica.pt\/?page_id=1660"},"modified":"2026-06-04T02:37:38","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T02:37:38","slug":"history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/castelodonachica.pt\/en\/history\/","title":{"rendered":"History"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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History<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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A Legacy Through Time<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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From noble beginnings to a new era of restoration, Castelo Dona Chica carries more than a century of stories within its walls. Explore the milestones that shaped this architectural treasure, from its origins in 1915 to its present-day revival under Lifestyle Retreats, preserving its heritage for generations to come.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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1915<\/div>
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The Beginning of a Vision<\/a><\/div>
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The story of Castelo Dona Chica begins in 1915, when Jo\u00e3o Jos\u00e9 Ferreira R\u00eago returned from Brazil with a vision to create a meaningful residence for his wife, Francisca, known as Dona Chica. He commissioned Swiss architect Ernesto Korrodi to bring this idea to life through a design rooted in tradition and progress.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

1915 - 1919<\/div>
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An Architectural Statement<\/a><\/div>
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The design followed Korrodi\u2019s concept of the Habita\u00e7\u00e3o Nobre, combining medieval influences with early modern ideals. The landscape was enriched with plant species brought from Brazil, creating a setting that reflected both personal history and artistic intention.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

1919<\/div>
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An Interrupted Process<\/a><\/div>
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Construction was suspended in 1919 before the residence could be completed. At the time, the interiors remained in a basic state, leaving the project unfinished and marking the beginning of a long period of uncertainty.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

1938 \u2013 Mid 20th Century<\/div>
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Transitions Over Time<\/a><\/div>
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In 1938, the property was sold and later passed through several owners. Attempts were made to resume construction, but challenges and disagreements prevented progress, and the building continued to deteriorate.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Mid 20th Century<\/div>
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Gradual Decline<\/a><\/div>
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During this period, many of the original decorative elements were lost. Ceramics, woodwork, and interior finishes were damaged or disappeared, leaving limited reference for future restoration.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

1985<\/div>
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Recognized for Its Significance<\/a><\/div>
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In 1985, Castelo Dona Chica, previously known as Pal\u00e1cio da Dona Chica, was officially classified as a Property of Public Interest, acknowledging its architectural and cultural importance.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

1990s \u2013 2000s<\/div>
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An Uncertain Future<\/a><\/div>
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Throughout the 1990s, proposals were made to transform the property into a cultural space. Financial and legal complications delayed progress, leaving the estate\u2019s future uncertain for years.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Present Day<\/div>
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Restoration and Renewal<\/a><\/div>
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In recent years, Castelo Dona Chica has entered a new phase under private ownership. The estate is currently managed by Lifestyle Retreats, a hospitality management company, with a focus on careful restoration and long-term preservation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Continuing Its Story<\/a><\/div>
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Today, Castelo Dona Chica stands as a reflection of its history, shaped by vision, interruption, and renewal. Its story continues as the property is gradually restored for future generations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

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