Quinta de Valflores and Palácio ou Quinta das Amoreiras

Category: Civil Architecture > Farm

District: Lisboa > Loures > Via Rara > Bairro dos Monjões

Location

Quinta de Valflores, also known as Palácio de Valflores or Quinta das Amoreiras, is located in the parish of Santa Iria de Azóia, in the municipality of Loures.

Renaissance Architecture

This is a rare example of 16th-century civil architecture with a strong Italian influence. It was built by Jorge de Barros, an important merchant in the service of D. João III in Flanders.

Building History

The palace served as a residence until 1870. From then on, it was used as an agricultural warehouse by the English Reynolds family, which led to the beginning of its degradation.

Heritage Classification

In 1982, Quinta and Palácio de Valflores were classified as Property of Public Interest. Despite this classification, the building continued to deteriorate until it was acquired by the Loures City Council in 2006.

Restoration

Since 2019, the Palácio de Valflores has been undergoing restoration work after decades of abandonment and deterioration.

Architectural Features

Floors and Structure

The palace has two floors, adapting to the slope of the land. The upper floor was used as a residence and the lower floor for storage. The structure includes vaults and a loggia facing the Tagus River, originally with a colonnade of ten arches, now partially destroyed.

Private Chapel

There is a small chapel attached to the palace, with a vault similar to that of the Igreja Matriz of Santa Iria de Azóia.

Current State

The building has suffered great damage over the years, including the loss of roofs and cladding. The vaults are damaged and were shored up in 2003.

Curiosity

The palace is also known as "Palácio das Abóboras" (Pumpkin Palace) due to the use of its balconies for drying pumpkins.

Cultural Significance

Quinta de Valflores is a testament to the history and architecture of the Renaissance in Portugal, although its state of conservation has been compromised over the centuries.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palácio_de_Valflores

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