Municipal Farm Our Lady of Mercy

Category: Nature > Park

District: Lisboa > Vila Franca de Xira > Póvoa de Santa Iria > Quinta Municipal Nossa Senhora da Piedade

Location

The Quinta Municipal Nossa Senhora da Piedade is located in the heart of Póvoa de Santa Iria, a town within the municipality of Vila Franca de Xira. It is situated in an urban area, but stands out in the landscape due to its location on a steep slope, giving it a distinct presence in the surrounding environment, surrounded by residential neighborhoods.

Memories of a Noble Past

With a history dating back to the 14th century, Quinta da Piedade was originally a noble estate with strong ties to agricultural activity. Its manor house, currently the palace, dates back to the 18th century and reflects the evolution and status of the important families of the kingdom who owned it over time. These nobles were responsible for the expansion of the property and the construction of many of the elements that can be appreciated today, making it a place of high heritage and historical value.

The Palace and the Art of Azulejo

The palace, classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest), is the center of the built complex. It features a U-shaped Baroque architecture, distinguished by its volumetric simplicity and the symmetry of its facades. Inside, the richness of the azulejos is one of the most striking aspects. These tiles, many of them monochrome blue on white, display a variety of motifs, from floral patterns to figurative scenes, such as riverside landscapes, hunts, gallant parties, and oriental inspirations. The palace's private chapel, once intended for religious use, is particularly noteworthy for its polychrome azulejos in Rococo style, attributed to the painter Valentim de Almeida, which illustrate passages from the "Song of Songs."

Religious Heritage and Spaces for Meditation

In addition to the palace, the Quinta houses a set of religious buildings of great interest. These include the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, which gives the Quinta its name and exhibits Manueline elements in its portal and the ceiling of the main chapel. Nearby, one finds the Oratório de São Jerónimo, with its mullioned portal and perfect arches, and the Oratório do Senhor Morto, whose exterior walls are adorned with figurative azulejos from the Joanine Baroque production. These spaces invite moments of reflection and allow visitors to appreciate the architectural and artistic diversity present on the property.

Gardens and Welcoming Nature

Currently an urban park, the gardens of Quinta Municipal Nossa Senhora da Piedade offer ample green spaces for walking and enjoying nature. Although transformed over the centuries, traces of its original design can still be found, with avenues and flowerbeds that once included boxwood, myrtle, orchards, and woods. Elements such as tanks, fountains, and a waterfall decorated with azulejos and encrusted stones contribute to the tranquil atmosphere. The Quinta also features an area dedicated to animals, known as the Quinta Pedagógica (Educational Farm), which offers direct contact with various species, such as fallow deer, goats, and sheep, providing a didactic and recreational character for visitors.

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