Palace of Quinta das Conchas

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Quinta do Lambert

Location

The Palacete da Quinta das Conchas is located within the vast green area of Quinta das Conchas e dos Lilases, in Lumiar, Lisbon. This historic property is situated in the urban area of the city, east of Alameda das Linhas de Torres. Its presence, though discreet in today's urban density, stands out as a vestige of Lisbon's rural past, inviting an exploration that combines the nature of the surrounding park with an interest in built heritage.

Heritage and Architectural Lines

This old palace traces its origins back to a 16th-century core, having undergone significant enlargements and modifications throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Its U-shaped plan develops over two floors, with a rectangular main body connecting two perpendicular wings. Its main facade, facing west, presents an imposing character, marked by masonry pilasters that divide its sections.

On this facade, one observes balcony windows on the lower floor, with straight lintels and iron railings, while on the upper floor, more elaborate openings stand out, some topped by basket-arch or interrupted curved pediments, decorated with baroque palmettes. A curious door on the right side facade, with its undulating, masonry-framed lintel, suggests a Manueline-inspired design, indicating the building's antiquity and architectural evolution. Inside, although not accessible, it is known that it was once covered with tiles of vegetal and pattern themes, in monochromatic and polychromatic tones, which testify to the decorative richness of the era.

Memories and Legends

The Palacete da Quinta das Conchas carries with it a rich history of owners and eras, including the period when it belonged to Francisco Mantero, a figure with strong ties to the former Portuguese colonies. The passage of time, coupled with its current state of conservation, has fueled various popular narratives that lend it an aura of mystery.

A legend tells of a tragic love and a woman imprisoned within its confines, whose lamentations, according to oral tradition, still echo through the corridors today. This story of love and despair, passed down from generation to generation, gives the palace a unique character. Additionally, it is whispered that a treasure, brought from African lands, rests hidden in its foundations. The building is currently at risk of ruin, with warnings on site, a factor that paradoxically accentuates its mystique and makes it a point of interest for those seeking the stories and secrets of old Lisbon.

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