Category: Civil Architecture > Palace
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Carnide
The Quinta do Bom Nome House is located in Carnide, an area of Lisbon which, despite its urban evolution, still retains its own identity, sometimes evoking its more rural and pleasant past. Situated between Estrada da Correia and Estrada do Poço do Chão, the quinta, once a country retreat with a water vein running through it, like the ancient "Rio Seco" (Dry River), maintains its striking presence, standing out in the landscape as a historical testament to the transition to the contemporary city. Its position offers a glimpse into the ancient nobility who chose these outskirts for their leisure and production.
The history of the Quinta do Bom Nome House dates back to the 17th century, although its current appearance is mainly the result of a significant reconstruction carried out in the following century. This place, initially known as "Bom Nome" (Good Name), gradually received different designations over time, such as Quinta do Sarmento, linked to one of its 19th-century owners, or Quinta das Mercês, due to the patron saint of its chapel. Originally designed for agricultural production and the recreation of the seigniorial family, the quinta was always recognized for its "noble appearance" and the pleasant atmosphere it provided, being considered one of the most notable properties in the surroundings of Carnide.
The architectural complex of Quinta do Bom Nome is organized around a quadrangular central patio. The main body, a three-story palace with the top floor in a mansard roof, features an "L" shaped plan, demonstrating the imposing nature of the old seigniorial house. The distinctive main entrance is accessed via Estrada da Correia, through a robust gate flanked by barred windows, set into a high wall with a mixtilinear profile coping. This entrance leads to a patio that frames the palace and the buildings that once supported agricultural activity. The palace's main facade stands out with its contiguous sections, separated by pilasters, and a series of openings with stonework frames and iron railings, revealing the elegance of 18th-century design. On the western elevation, a flight of stairs allowed direct access to the noble floor, a common detail in large houses of the period.
Inside the Quinta do Bom Nome House, the art of tiles (azulejos) and stucco is a decorative element of particular interest. The palace displays a vast tile heritage, predominantly in Baroque and Rococo styles, mostly in blue and white tones, with subtle hints of yellow, green, and manganese-purple. In the corridors, the tiles adorn the walls with polychrome floral patterns and marble-effect frames. In the noble floor's halls, the tile wainscoting narrates hunting and countryside scenes, depicting the rural daily life of the quinta, framed by elaborate shell motifs. The kitchen is entirely covered with loose-figure tiles, featuring naturalistic motifs like stars and flowers. The staircase leading to the noble floor captivates with its representations of "singeries" (monkey scenes) and symbols of nature's abundance, framed by phytomorphic elements and shell motifs, inviting close observation of the details.
Integrated into the quinta complex, the chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of Mercies, is a space of great artistic richness. At one time, it even served as the provisional location for the parish church of São Lourenço, which attests to its relevance. With a rectangular plan and a single nave, the chapel is fully decorated with polychrome stuccoes that simulate marble panels and tile wainscoting in shades of blue, manganese, green, and ochre, reflecting the Rococo taste. The altarpiece, with a Neoclassical leaning structure, and the tabernacle in the form of a small temple, enrich the altar area. The nave walls are covered with tiles displaying a complex ornamental and symbolic composition, with cartouches containing Marian symbols such as the star, the moon, the fountain, the crown, the sun, the rose, and the lily, with inscriptions evoking biblical passages. On the ceiling, rich decoration of faux marble and phytomorphic scrolls culminates in a royal crown and the Cross of Portugal, alluding to Our Lady of Conception as the Patroness of the Kingdom. At the back, a tribune, with direct access from the noble floor, allowed the lords of the house to attend liturgical ceremonies in a reserved manner, revealing a particular aspect of the social life of the time.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.760095665385, -9.1935407538462
Coordinates DMS: 38°45'36.3"N 09°11'36.7"W
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
