Quinta de São José

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Loures > Sacavém > Terraços da Ponte

Location

Quinta de São José is located in Sacavém, in the municipality of Loures, integrated into the urban area known as Terraços da Ponte. The property has a unique layout, marked by a steep slope. On its northern boundary, it borders Rua Júlio Bruno da Costa Pereira, while to the south it extends to Praceta Augusto Ferreira Geirinhas. To the west, the Autoestrada do Norte (A1) serves as its perimeter demarcation.

This location in Sacavém places it within the urban fabric, while its size and historical characteristics distinguish it as a notable point of interest in the local landscape.

A Historical Legacy

The history of Quinta de São José is rooted in the 17th century, when it functioned as an old noble estate. Over the centuries, it belonged to prominent figures, having been a feudal property of the Dukes of Bragança, a testament to its historical and noble relevance. In the 19th century, the quinta was acquired by the Baron of Pomarinho, Estêvão da Costa Pimenta de Sousa Menezes, marking a new phase in its ownership.

In the mid-20th century, in 1940, the property passed into the hands of José Manuel Leitão, who undertook remodeling works. However, in the 1980s, the quinta showed signs of deterioration. In 1986, the Loures Municipal Council acquired it with the aim of restoring it and transforming it into an accessible and multifunctional space for the community and visitors, culminating in significant restoration works that sought to recover its original design.

Architectural and Artistic Heritage

The heart of Quinta de São José is its manor house, built at the end of the 17th or beginning of the 18th century. Erected at one end of the quinta, this manor house serves a structural function, even acting as one of the supporting walls of the complex. The exterior staircase, which provides direct access to the main floor of the residence, stands out.

Inside, visitors can admire painted wooden ceilings and walls covered with typical 18th-century tiles, elements that enrich the atmosphere of the place. Additionally, the manor house preserves Neoclassical frescoes from the final phase of that same century. On the north facade, facing Rua Júlio Bruno da Costa Pereira, six tile panels were installed in the 1990s, evoking significant moments in the history of the Sacavém settlement, adding a cultural and narrative dimension to the architecture.

Green Spaces and Leisure

With an area of approximately 3 hectares, Quinta de São José offers ample green spaces. In addition to the manor house area and old structures such as the dairy and stables, the property includes a well-maintained garden, inviting to strolls and tranquility. A historical fountain complements the natural beauty of the environment.

The municipal intervention transformed the quinta into a leisure space for everyone. It includes an outdoor multi-sport court and two tennis courts, integrated into the Alberto da Costa Azenha Sports Park, demonstrating the adaptation of the historical space to contemporary physical activity needs. The quinta also houses an exhibition hall, video library, and theater, contributing to the local cultural dynamism and making it a diverse and welcoming public space.

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