Quinta de Vale de Marinha

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Lisboa > Sintra > Almoçageme > Vale de Marinha

Location

Quinta de Vale de Marinha is located in Almoçageme, in the Vale de Marinha area, within the municipality of Sintra. Its setting is distinctly rural and isolated, integrated into the surrounding landscape. This location is part of the vast natural area classified as the Sintra-Cascais Protected Area, providing a tranquil environment of great scenic value.

History and Heritage

Dating back to the second half of the 18th century, Quinta de Vale de Marinha is an example of Pombaline-era residential architecture. Its origin and initial use were linked to agricultural and forestry activities, remaining true to this purpose over time. The historical and architectural value of the estate is recognized, being classified as a Property of Municipal Interest, which underscores its importance in local heritage.

Architectural Features

The main house of the estate features a rectangular plan and a parallelepipedal volume, covered by hip roofs. Its painted stucco facades feature openings with simple stone frames. Of note is the presence of a "trompe l'oeil" window on one of the facades, a detail that simulates an opening, adding a touch of originality to the construction. The main access to the residence is via a gate flanked by rustic pilasters, which terminate in pyramidal bases adorned with spheres, with a similar set of curved walls and benches on the opposite side of the road.

Rural Environment and Water Features

Quinta de Vale de Marinha extends as a large agricultural property, with an irregular perimeter, where various outbuildings are identified that served farming activities, such as a barn, a winery, an irrigation tank, and a threshing floor. Inside the estate, a notable feature is an avenue of poplars that leads to another single-story building. One of the most distinctive and visually interesting elements is the aqueduct which, south of the house, crosses the road via a perfect arch, leading water to a collection tank that displays erudite ornamentation, revealing the ingenuity and aesthetics of the period.

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