Towards a National Trust of Portugal

In November 2024, a group of European heritage experts gathered in Mateus. The aim was to establish a consensus on the future of Portugal’s rich cultural heritage. We shared experiences, explored opportunities and drew from international best practices.  And sought to leverage the experience and knowledge of each participant.  Actively engaging them in the process of establishing the Foundation National Trust Portugal.

Each National Trust is different and setting up a new organisation is not an exact science. But INTO is the leading authority on the work and philosophy of National Trusts around the world.  Indeed, one of our founding objectives is to help communities set up new trusts in countries where they do not currently exist. So, we have been working together to prepare for this moment.  And we were delighted to share our experiences of the transformative power of National Trusts across the globe.

There is further reading, content and resources drawing on the experiences of our member organisations in From Start-up to Sustainability: An INTO Handbook for Heritage Trusts.

Voicing our concerns

Attendees also discussed and approved the ‘Declaration of Mateus-Santar on the Private Cultural and Natural Heritage of Portugal’. This document emphasises the shared responsibility of preserving cultural heritage, urging both individuals and the state to safeguard assets, prevent their destruction, and enhance access and enjoyment.

It also calls for decisive action on historic preservation, more collaboration, innovative governance models, the development of sustainable solutions, promotion of national identity and mobilisation of communities.

The Foundation National Trust Portugal is the brainchild of a group of visionary and tenacious leaders. Over the past two and a half years, they have examined different approaches from across the INTO network. This included visits to the UK and Italy as well as meetings in Portugal, kindly supported by the Helen Hamlyn Trust.

One such gathering took place in Italy last year, where we introduced our Portuguese colleagues to the models of FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano and Kulturerbe Bayern. It was therefore a huge pleasure to have these organisations join us in Mateus. The seminar thus brought together four INTO members, with the National Trust (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and the Portuguese Casas Antigas.  Like every INTO meet-up, there was lots to learn and share amongst the delegates.

We were generously hosted by Teresa Albuquerque and her team at the Fundação da Casa de Mateus. A beautiful baroque palace, garden and winery.

We then spent the final morning at nearby Santar Vila Jardim.  Here, José Luís and Pedro Vasconcelos e Sousa have worked with their neighbours to break down the walls between properties.  And to create a beautiful and seamless visitor experience. With ancient houses, pretty gardens, flourishing vineyards, delicious food and wine, a warm community welcome and incredible stories, Santar Vila Jardim serves as a beacon for the nascent Portuguese National Trust.

Delegates were also treated to a sneak preview of an upcoming exhibition of photographs. The series of images beautifully captures over forty villagers with connections to the family and Santar.

In summary, the seminar certainly succeeded in building consensus around the idea of a National Trust of Portugal.  And we look forward to supporting the team with next steps.

We are grateful to the Helen Hamlyn Trust for supporting this initiative.