Cascata da Quinta de CaxiasWaterfall of Quinta de Caxias

Category: Civil Architecture > Waterfall

District: Lisboa > Oeiras > Caxias > Alto do Lagoal

Location

The Quinta de Caxias Waterfall is located in Alto do Lagoal, in the locality of Caxias, in the municipality of Oeiras. This site stands out for its position by the coastline, a setting that provides a unique atmosphere and contributes to its scenery.

An Eighteenth-Century Legacy

This remarkable space reflects the taste and sophistication of 18th-century social life. Its design integrates elements of landscaping, architecture, and sculpture, serving as a testament to the art and leisure of that era, and inviting an experience of historical discovery.

The Cascade's Scenography

The central feature of this site is the cascade, designed with several galleries that interconnect harmoniously, suggesting the grandeur of a throne. At its highest point, there is an octagonal pavilion, from where the water begins its journey, flowing into an intermediate tank before reaching the lake. This ingenious structure creates a visual effect of fluidity and movement.

Myth and Sculpture

One of the most distinctive elements is the sculptural ensemble, by Machado de Castro. These stone pieces narrate a mythological scene: the Goddess Diana approaching a grotto where the shepherd Endymion sleeps an eternal sleep. The interaction between the sculptures and the water features that once adorned them amplifies the expressiveness and narrative of this space.

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