Category: Nature > Farm
District: Lisboa > Sintra > Sintra > Cabriz
Situated in Várzea de Sintra, a quieter and more rural area of the municipality, Quinta da Ribafria is located in the town of Sintra, near Cabriz. This privileged location, at the base of a hill and surrounded by high walls, provides an environment of privacy and harmony with the natural landscape.
The property is traversed by the Colares River, contributing to the serene beauty of its lush green surroundings, which extends over vast hectares of gardens and woodlands.
Quinta da Ribafria is an ancestral property dating back to the 16th century, having been built between 1536 and 1541. Its manor house was built by Gaspar Gonçalves, a prominent figure of the royal court, to whom D. Manuel I granted lands and D. João III bestowed the title of Lord of Ribafria.
This manor house is a remarkable example of Portuguese civil architecture of the period, combining Renaissance influences with Manueline elements and medieval tradition. It is recognized as a Property of Public Interest and is part of the vast Cultural Landscape of Sintra, classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
At the heart of the estate stands the manor house, characterized by an imposing tower of medieval inspiration, adorned with the Ribafria family's coat of arms. Legend has it that this tower allowed its owner to sight Penha Verde, a property that also belonged to him.
The building's facade features interesting Mudejar-style battlements, an uncommon architectural trait. Although the interiors are not regularly open to the public, they are known for their coffered wooden ceilings, where paintings depicting hunting scenes, floral, and marine motifs can be observed.
One of the most notable elements of the complex is its magnificent cistern, a vast underground chamber with ashlar vaults supported by robust arches and columns, a testament to the engineering of the era.
Quinta da Ribafria offers a collection of gardens and woodlands that invite a tranquil and contemplative stroll. The formal garden, designed as a boxwood parterre, is punctuated by an original staircase, various water features, and classical-inspired statuary.
A large tank reflects the manor house's facade, creating a scene of great beauty. The extensive grounds host a rich botanical variety, notably including centuries-old sequoias and other remarkable specimens of trees and shrubs. Many of these refer back to the property's original name, "Herdade das Laranjeiras" (Orange Groves Estate), suggesting the abundance of citrus fruits that once characterized it.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.815093256991936, -9.378116886070647
Coordinates DMS: 38°48'54.3"N 09°22'41.2"W
On-duty Pharmacy Sintra
