Garden of Quinta de Nossa Senhora da Paz

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lumiar > Paço do Lumiar

Location

The Garden of Quinta de Nossa Senhora da Paz is located in the Paço do Lumiar area, a historic part of Lumiar, in Lisbon. Set in an environment once characterized by a collection of estates and palaces, this garden offers a glimpse into the landscape heritage that marked the region. It is a public space integrated into Lisbon's urban fabric, accessible for a tranquil stroll and a break from the city's daily routine.

A Landscape Legacy

Although its origins as a leisure estate are not precisely dated, the current form of the Garden of Quinta de Nossa Senhora da Paz is largely due to renovation works carried out between 1929 and 1934. These interventions were driven by Herbert Edward Over Guilbert, an English owner with ties to the Sacavém Pottery Factory. His vision not only transformed the exterior of the house, beautifying courtyards and facades with tiles created in his own factory and designed by H. C. Sant'Anna and A. Ribeiro, but also commissioned the garden's design from Jacintho de Mattos, a notable landscape gardener and horticulturist from Porto. The latter applied various styles characteristic of his work to the site, resulting in a succession of distinct spaces that respect the land's original topography.

The Garden Terraces

The garden is notable for its organization into three distinct terraces, a layout already documented in 1949. Adjacent to the old house, a formal garden unfolds in perfect harmony with the dwelling's geometry. Characterized by symmetrical boxwood beds and a small tile-covered fountain at its center, this space evokes a meridional atmosphere, enhanced by palm trees and a dragon tree.

The transition to the lower terrace occurs via an elegant staircase, flanked by a masonry balustrade that also serves as a balcony. This second level is dominated by an imposing reinforced concrete pergola, which embraces the entire garden, giving it a structure of great formality. At its heart lies a classical-inspired tank, functioning as a reflecting pool, flanked by two imposing cycads. Further downstream, a more informal park area develops, with winding paths contouring a naturalized-form lake. This area includes a tennis court and retains some conifers and a large eucalyptus tree, testaments to the original planting.

Ornamental Details and Heritage

Tile ornamentation is a distinctive element of the garden, visible not only on the house's facades and courtyards but also in various details of the outdoor space. These tiles, created at the Sacavém Pottery Factory, contribute to the site's unique aesthetic ambiance, appearing on benches set into retaining walls and in a pergola that functions as a kind of "fresco house," with walls covered in tile panels and a small fountain.

Since April 25, 1974, the estate and its garden have been part of the heritage of the Lisbon City Council. Currently, this space is open to the public, offering a place for strolls and rest, equipped with benches and public lighting.

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