Quinta das Areias

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Lisboa > Vila Franca de Xira > Castanheira do Ribatejo

Location

Situated in the locality of Castanheira do Ribatejo, in the municipality of Vila Franca de Xira, Quinta das Areias is located south of the village. Its position is notable for those transiting the old National Road 1, with the property marking the surrounding landscape. It also stands out for its proximity to the railway line, an aspect that once facilitated communication and the transport of goods related to the farm's activity.

Historical Roots and Dimension

The roots of Quinta das Areias date back to the 19th century, more precisely to 1854, when it established itself as one of the largest rural properties in the region. The farm belonged to the Palha family, with a special connection to the figure of José Pereira Palha, a prominent name in the agricultural and livestock exploitation of the vast Lezírias do Ribatejo. The entirety of the property reflects the importance and scale of the agricultural activity of the time.

Architecture and Built Heritage

The most striking element of the farm is a monumental palace in the Gothic Revival style. Its unique architecture stands out for its grandeur and elegance, revealing the taste of its owners. Inside the palace, particularly in the main hall, one can observe a fireplace and decoration that bestow a particular artistic and historical value upon the space, attesting to the richness of the details.

Agricultural and Equestrian Legacy

In addition to the residential building, Quinta das Areias included a series of essential structures for its agricultural function. Among these are stables for livestock, workshops, hangars, and storage areas for agricultural machinery, olive presses for wine production, and a barn. The presence of a round pen and a riding arena, areas dedicated to horse training and practice, underscores the property's strong connection to horse breeding and the equestrian culture, traditional elements in large Ribatejo farms.

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