Rat Farm

Category: Nature > Park

District: Lisboa > Cascais > Carcavelos e Parede > Bairro das Caixas

Location and Surroundings

Quinta do Rato is located in the Bairro das Caixas area, within the parish of Carcavelos e Parede, in the municipality of Cascais. It is situated in an urban area, but it has undergone a landscape requalification that has transformed it into a pleasant green space. This location offers a tranquil and open environment, ideal for a break from the city rhythm, providing a smooth transition between the built environment and nature.

Nature and Community

This space is predominantly known for its community gardens, where residents cultivate their own produce. It is an example of how urban life and the connection to the land can coexist, creating a landscape of small, carefully worked plots. In addition to the gardens, Quinta do Rato includes an orchard and a playground, making it a multifunctional space that invites leisure and social interaction, appealing to different generations seeking closer contact with the natural environment in the heart of the city.

Paths and Connection

With pedestrian mobility and fluid movement in mind, Quinta do Rato includes a wooden boardwalk that establishes a practical and scenic connection. This path facilitates the crossing between Avenida dos Bombeiros Voluntários and Rua Barrilário Ruas, offering a convenient shortcut for those moving around the area. The boardwalk, due to its wooden construction, integrates harmoniously into the surrounding green landscape, providing a pleasant path for pedestrians.

A Community Project

The genesis of Quinta do Rato as we know it today dates back to a Participatory Budget initiative in 2012, with its realization materializing in 2016. This project aimed to create a meeting point for the community, promoting not only sustainable horticulture but also well-being and learning. It is, therefore, a space that reflects the importance of civic participation in creating areas that enhance urban quality of life and encourage social interaction around sustainability values.

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