Quinta das Conchas and Lilases Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Alta de Lisboa

Location

Located in Alta de Lisboa, specifically in the parish of Lumiar, the Parque da Quinta das Conchas e dos Lilases offers a vast green area in the city. It is Lisbon's third-largest green space, totaling approximately 26 hectares. It is situated in a higher part of the city, surrounded by contemporary urban developments, which makes it a natural oasis in the urban environment.

Origins and Historical Legacy

The park originated from the merger of two old 16th-century estates, Quinta das Conchas and Quinta dos Lilases, which were acquired in the late 19th century by Francisco Mantero. It was Mantero who shaped Quinta dos Lilases in a colonial style, integrating a lake with two wooded islands that symbolized the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, referencing his fortune linked to coffee production. In the Quinta das Conchas area, vestiges of an old mansion and a fountain from the early 20th century can still be observed. Interestingly, a portion of the estate was the setting for cinematic productions, such as the well-known film "A Canção de Lisboa" from 1933.

Nature and Landscape

This vast park is divided into different environments that invite exploration. Quinta das Conchas features extensive meadows and landscaped areas, punctuated by a lake with a jetty and paths winding through olive trees and wild olive trees. The Mata area, further south, is a dense and tranquil forest, highlighting valuable botanical specimens such as Buçaco cypresses, some of them centennial, and stands of Zelkova crenata and Eucalyptus globulus. Quinta dos Lilases, a more secluded space enclosed by a wall, displays its colonial-style mansion, gardens, and a lake that preserves its romantic inspiration. The park also integrates an ingenious hydraulic system, where water from mines and wells is reused in a closed circuit.

Activities and Leisure Environment

The Parque da Quinta das Conchas e dos Lilases is a place that promotes outdoor activity and well-being. Visitors can enjoy an internal circuit that invites walking, running, or cycling. There are areas dedicated to picnics, a playground for the little ones, and a stage for performances, framed by wooden walkways and water channels. For book lovers, there is a small outdoor library, and for those visiting with pets, the park also has a dog park. A central building houses a municipal information point and exhibition spaces, contributing to a complete and enriching experience.

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