Quinta das Conchas and Lilacs

Category: Nature > Farm

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Lumiar

Location

Located in the Lumiar area, in Lisbon, the park is a vast green space set within a predominantly urban context. It occupies an elevated position in the area, surrounded by newer residential areas, serving as a point of respite and contact with nature within the city's fabric.

Historical Origin

This park occupies the land that belonged to two old rural properties, Quinta das Conchas and Quinta dos Lilases, whose history dates back to the 16th century. Over time, the estates had various owners, but it was at the beginning of the 20th century that Francisco Mantero acquired both properties, initiating transformations that shaped part of the current landscape.

The Quinta das Conchas area retains vestiges of the past, such as the ruins of an old manor house and a fountain. Quinta dos Lilases was restructured at that time with influences of colonial aesthetics, reflecting Mantero's connection to the Portuguese colonies of the era. There even existed a studio on this estate where, for example, "A Canção de Lisboa" was filmed.

A Space with Distinct Environments

With a considerable area, the park presents a diversity of environments. The Quinta das Conchas section is larger and more open, with extensive lawns and a dense woodland covering approximately two-thirds of its total area. Quinta dos Lilases, separated by a wall, offers a more tranquil and secluded atmosphere.

Nature and Landscape Elements

The woodland of Quinta das Conchas invites walks along paths that follow the natural terrain, with lush and shaded vegetation. The park is home to notable tree species, including centenary Buçaco Cypresses and other ecologically valuable stands such as Hackberries and Eucalypts.

Water elements mark the landscape, such as the main lake in Quinta das Conchas and the lake in Quinta dos Lilases. The latter, with a more naturalistic design, includes two islands at its center, in a symbolic reference. There are also water channels, fountains, and the utilization of water from mines and wells in an integrated system.

Leisure and Activity Zones

The park offers multiple areas for leisure and outdoor activities. The vast lawns are ideal for relaxing, there are designated picnic areas, and a lake with a pier that allows closer access to the water. A network of internal paths is used for walking, running, and cycling.

The space features children's play areas and structures that can be used for small events or performances. For those who enjoy reading, there is a small open-air library in the park, which operates on a free book exchange basis.

Design and Recognition

The requalification project that adapted the old estates into the public park that exists today sought to integrate historical elements with new infrastructures. This work of landscape design and architecture was recognized with the Valmor and Municipal Architecture Award in 2005.