Quinta de Santo António

Category: Civil Architecture > Farm

District: Lisboa > Vila Franca de Xira > Matos da Boiça

Location

Quinta de Santo António is located in Matos da Boiça, a locality in the municipality of Vila Franca de Xira. This notable complex is situated in a predominantly rural environment, distinguished by its isolated and serene position. It is surrounded by walled grounds, accessed by a tree-lined avenue, offering a setting of tranquility and removal from urban bustle.

A Deep Historical Legacy

Dating back to the early 15th century, around 1402, Quinta de Santo António was established as a Franciscan convent, proving to be one of the first buildings of this order in the vicinity of Lisbon. Its history is intrinsically linked to the influential Ataíde family, who, between the 15th and 17th centuries, sponsored important works and expansions. The significance of the complex is attested by its classification as an Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest), recognizing its importance in national heritage.

Architectural and Artistic Richness

This vast architectural complex is a testament to the evolution of styles over the centuries, presenting a harmonious fusion of Manueline, Renaissance, Mannerist, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements. The church, one of its central points, houses the impressive Capela Sepulcral dos Ataíde (Ataíde Sepulchral Chapel), in Renaissance style, where the family tombs and a significant relief of Archangel Saint Michael can be observed. Inside, we also find the Capela dos Quintela (Quintela Chapel), with Neoclassical features, and the high choir, which formerly housed the conventual library.

The conventual dependencies include the cloisters, which frame a central courtyard, and spaces such as the sacristy and the former cells. One of the great highlights is the extensive tile heritage, with decorative and figurative panels dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries, and traces of mural painting that adorn various areas of the building, such as the chapels and the sacristy, silently telling the story of this place.

Gardens and Contemplation Spaces

The surroundings of Quinta de Santo António invite strolls through its historic gardens. These spaces include areas that were dedicated to cultivation and the leisure of the monks, punctuated by fountains and lakes that lend a pleasant atmosphere. Noteworthy are the so-called "casas de fresco" (frescas houses), structures designed to provide cooler environments, and a peculiar boxwood garden, which contributes to the unique atmosphere of the place. The complex also includes an old well and other rural elements, which together reveal the daily life and self-sufficiency of the former convent, offering a glimpse into the past and the harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature.

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