Vila Maria Pia

Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House

District: Lisboa > Cascais > Monte Estoril > Bairro do Alcaide

Location

Vila Maria Pia is located in Monte Estoril, in the municipality of Cascais, within the Bairro do Alcaide. Its position is privileged, next to the coastline, affording it a sweeping view of the Atlantic and the Bay of Cascais. Standing out prominently, the building is integrated into the nineteenth-century urban fabric that characterizes this area of the town, maintaining its prominence and the privilege of its sea views.

A Royal Legacy

This emblematic chalet, built in the 19th century, owes its name and much of its prestige to Dona Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911), who was Queen of Portugal as the consort of D. Luís I. Acquired by her in 1893, the property, then known as "Chalet da Vista Longa," underwent extensive renovation and meticulous redecoration. This location served as one of her summer residences, granting it royal status and contributing to the popularization of the chalet style in Monte Estoril at the time.

Nineteenth-Century Architecture and Elegance

Vila Maria Pia is a remarkable example of 19th-century eclectic architecture. It features an irregular floor plan and a stepped volume, crowned by gable roofs, punctuated by dormer windows, and culminating in a distinguished octagonal turret. Its facade, with plastered and painted walls, is enhanced by ashlar details at the quoins and around the openings. Elements such as galleries with wrought iron metal railings and a charming ashlar bow-window contribute to its unique aesthetic. A recent intervention focused on the recovery and enhancement of its original architectural and decorative elements, maintaining its historical identity.

Gardens and Sea Views

The building is surrounded by an extensive walled garden, which has been subject to renovation and care. The terrain's layout, with a natural slope, positions the chalet in the southern part of the property, at a dominant altitude. This setting allows the garden space to function as a kind of natural podium, from which one can enjoy broad and beautiful views over the vastness of the Atlantic and the picturesque Bay of Cascais. These gardens offer a serene environment, complementing the majesty of the architecture with the tranquility of the coastal landscape.

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