Good Shepherd Farm

Category: Nature > Park

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Benfica

Location

Situated in Benfica, one of Lisbon's historic parishes, Quinta do Bom Pastor is integrated into the urban fabric of the city but maintains a character of a retreat. Although surrounded by the city environment, it stands out for its isolation, protected by walls, creating a tranquil and distinct space in the heart of the Portuguese capital.

Origin and Names Over Time

The history of Quinta do Bom Pastor dates back to the 18th century, the period when it was built. Over the years, it was known by various names, reflecting changes in ownership or peculiarities of the time, such as Quinta da Buraca, Quinta de Pedro Caetano, or Quinta do Macaísta. The current name, "Quinta do Bom Pastor," derives from an old 18th-century owner, João António Lopes Pastor, whose life and deeds gave this place its enduring denomination.

Architecture and Azulejo Art

The main building of the quinta is a beautiful example of 18th-century Baroque residential architecture. The facade, facing west, presents a balanced composition with two floors and elements in ashlar, including pilasters and quoins. On the noble floor, the balconies with elaborate frames and wrought iron railings stand out, with three of them sharing a common balcony.

One of the most relevant artistic points is the adjacent terrace, which displays three large panels of azulejos. These panels, in monochromatic tones, are framed by colorful rocaille-style ornamentation and depict rural scenes and mythological figures. It is believed that these azulejos, a testament to 18th-century ceramic art, were produced at the renowned Real Fábrica do Rato.

Gardens and Decorative Elements

The property extends into charming gardens that complement the quinta's architecture. In particular, a formal garden designed with carefully trimmed boxwood offers a serene atmosphere. In this green space, one can find a central fountain and an unusual parietal fountain, of grotesque style, enriched with the inclusion of fragments of Chinese porcelain. Botanical diversity is highlighted by the presence of a notable specimen of araucaria, which dominates the garden landscape.

Passages and Personalities

Quinta do Bom Pastor was the scene of important moments in Lisbon's history and hosted notable figures over the centuries. In the 19th century, Empress D. Amélia of Beauharnais Leuchtenberg, widow of D. Pedro IV of Portugal, resided here for a period in the company of her daughter, Infanta D. Maria Amélia. More recently, between the 1960s and 1970s, the quinta was the residence of Cardinal D. António Cerejeira after his retirement, adding a layer of ecclesiastical significance to its rich past.

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