Major Seminary Building of Leiria

Category: Religious Architecture > Seminary

District: Leiria > Leiria > Leiria > Vale do Horto

Historical Origin

- Property acquired by Luís da Silva Mouzinho de Albuquerque in 1837.

- Emotional ties with Leiria, his mother's hometown, may have sparked his interest in Portuguese monumental heritage.

Restoration of the Batalha Monastery

- Mouzinho de Albuquerque led the restoration of the Batalha Monastery.

- Removed from his position in 1843 for political reasons.

- Concern about the state of neglect of the Monastery may have influenced the Prince Consort, D. Fernando II, to take measures for its restoration.

Legacy of Mouzinho de Albuquerque

- Born in Lisbon in 1792, he was the first of many notables to reside at Quinta da Varzea.

- His grandson, Joaquim Augusto Mouzinho de Albuquerque, was born there and distinguished himself militarily in Africa.

Transformations at the Quinta

- Buildings at Quinta da Varzea underwent substantial changes.

- The former dormitory was adapted into a private residence, and new buildings were constructed.

- Limestone pillars and columns, made by the stonemasons who restored the Monastery, were added to the veranda and the Chapel of S. Gonçalo.

Acquisition by the Diocesan Seminary of Leiria

- In 1969, the Diocesan Seminary of Leiria acquired Quinta da Varzea.

- Buildings in good condition, land used for various crops, but a decline in agricultural activities due to socioeconomic changes.

Current Situation

- The property still belongs to the Diocese of Leiria, mainly used for forestry.

- Many buildings are in ruins due to lack of maintenance and acts of vandalism.

Cultural and Heritage Significance

- The main building of the quinta is a rare 17th or 18th-century manor house in the central region of the country.

- The Chapel of São Gonçalo also represents 17th/18th-century architecture.

- Heritage that deserves attention and preservation due to its historical and symbolic significance for the region and the country.

Controversy over Classification

- The Municipality of Batalha contests the revocation of the classification as a Property of Public Interest of the House and Chapel of São Gonçalo.

- Highlights the importance of heritage as spaces of memory.

- Appeals for the preservation of the historical and cultural legacy of Quinta da Varzea.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joaquim_Augusto_Mouzinho_de_Albuquerque

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt