Category: Nature > Farm
District: Lisboa > Oeiras > Oeiras > Nova Oeiras
Situated in the Nova Oeiras area, in the municipality of Oeiras, Quinta do Barão emerges in an environment that, although predominantly urban today, retains the essence of its origin. Its location on a gentle slope and south-facing sun exposure have contributed, over the centuries, to a naturally favourable microclimate for agriculture, particularly for viticulture.
Quinta do Barão is a testament to the rich winemaking history of the region. This site was one of the pillars of the production of the famed Carcavelos wine, whose excellence dates back to references from the 14th century. The wine's fame reached its peak in the 18th and 19th centuries, boosted by historical figures such as the Marquis of Pombal, who helped project it into the international market. The Quinta, alongside other neighbouring properties, played a crucial role in this remarkable agricultural heritage, shaping the local landscape and economy.
The manor house of Quinta do Barão, also known as Quinta da Lapa, is a remarkable example of 18th and 19th-century architecture, with Baroque and Rococo influences. Its south facade impresses with a double staircase leading to a landing, topped by a porch supported by four stone columns. In this area, the main door is flanked by 18th-century blue and white tile panels, displaying frames with Rococo motifs and portraits of the quinta's founders. Inside, several rooms still reveal wainscoting of tiles from the same period, and the property's chapel features significant sacred-themed tilework, depicting patron saints.
Within the quinta complex, in addition to the manor house, there are other historically valuable buildings, such as old offices, dormitories, and stables, which once supported the agricultural operation. The old winery, with its L-shaped configuration, stands out for its tilework from around 1900, which celebrates Bacchus, the god of wine. Although the quinta's landscape has undergone changes due to urban development, its structures continue to tell a story of work and agricultural prosperity.
The extensive gardens to the west of the manor house are a central and captivating element of Quinta do Barão. Designed in the 18th century, it is thought that their initial layout may have been influenced by the Hungarian architect Carlos Mardel. The space is characterized by a formal composition, with carefully designed boxwood beds, topiary shrubs in ball and pyramid shapes, marking the visual axes. Along the paths, there is a collection of eight stone statues and busts, four lakes and fountains, an old tank, and a dovecote.
One of the most charming elements are the low walls with "namoradeiras" (built-in seats), covered with neoclassical tile panels from the early 19th century, inviting repose. A significant remodelling in 1951 reconfigured part of the space, introducing new features, such as the four allegorical statues of the seasons surrounding a recently relocated fountain, and the construction of two pergolas over the main axes of the garden.
Quinta do Barão is a cultural asset of recognized national importance. Since 2002, the property has been classified as a Property of Public Interest, a status that underlines its historical, cultural, and architectural value. This classification ensures the protection of the manor house, its annex buildings, and its gardens, guaranteeing the preservation of this heritage for future generations and allowing it to remain a landmark in the memory of the Oeiras region.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.69438542336228, -9.329530895055251
Coordinates DMS: 38°41'39.8"N 09°19'46.3"W
On-duty Pharmacy Oeiras
