Old Lookout

Category: Nature > Protected Area

District: Lisboa > Odivelas > Odivelas > Pontinha e Famões

Location

The Velho Mirante stands in the urban fabric of Pontinha, in the municipality of Odivelas, standing out in an area where important roads converge. Its position, facing southeast, marks a junction between Rua de Santo Eloy, Rua Capitão Salgueiro Maia, and Estrada da Circunvalação, being close to a military presence, the Engineering Regiment number 1.

Architectural Features

This 18th-century building exhibits civil architecture with an unusual trapezoidal plan, developing over two floors. Its facades, once plastered and painted yellow, are delimited by ashlar quoins. On the ground floor, a rustic dressed stone base covers the entire structure, where a perfect semicircular arch portal opens, protected by an iron gate. On the upper floor, there is a balcony window with an elegant wrought-iron balustrade. The side facades present neoclassical simplicity, with rectilinear windows. At the rear, two blind arches are observed, flanking a small advanced body with curved quoins, topped by a platband that follows the building's silhouette.

Historical Legacy

Dating from the second half of the 18th century, the Velho Mirante is a testament to the urban evolution of Pontinha. Although its initial function is presumably linked to communications of the time, possibly as a postal relay station or an integral part of the old Quinta da Feira, its importance is undeniable. The historical and cultural value of the building is officially recognized, having been classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Municipal (Property of Municipal Interest) by the Odivelas City Council, underscoring its heritage relevance to the region.

Mural Paintings

One of the most notable aspects of the Velho Mirante is found inside, specifically on the upper floor. There, an octagonal room is revealed, whose walls and ceiling hold a set of mural paintings. These artistic works transport the visitor to a universe of representations of landscapes, floral motifs, and various animal figures, offering a glimpse into the aesthetics and decoration of the period in which the building was conceived.

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