Cadeado Farm

Category: Nature > Farm

District: Porto > Vila Nova de Gaia > Sandim > Sandim, Olival, Lever e Crestuma

Location

Quinta do Cadeado is situated on the banks of the Douro River, next to the historic village of Arnelas. It is located in the Sandim area, part of the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia. Access can be made via Alameda Praia de Arnelas. The quinta is positioned among other historic properties in the area, such as Quintas de Campinhas and do Ferraz.

History and Legacy

With roots dating back to the early 17th century, Quinta do Cadeado is a complex with a rich and diverse past. Originally associated with the Counts of Avintes, the property passed through several families over the centuries, such as the Couto, Cunha da Rocha, and Pereira.

A notable period in its history is linked to Manuel Pereira, who transformed it into an important commercial entrepôt. The quinta served as a transshipment point for salt, which arrived by land from Aveiro and Ovar and continued by boat to the Alto Douro and Trás-os-Montes, and for wine that made the reverse journey. This intense commercial activity, facilitated by its riverside location, allowed its owners to live in great affluence at the time.

It was also one of its owners, Maria da Cunha da Rocha, who commissioned the construction of the quinta's chapel in the early 18th century, invoking Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso (Our Lady of Good Success). The aim was to have a more accessible place of worship, given that the parish church was distant.

Architecture and Environment

The Quinta do Cadeado complex is composed of several buildings, notably the main house, with three floors, and the aforementioned chapel. The buildings are built on an impressive artificial platform, supported by a vast wall constructed of schist, which gives it a striking presence in the riverside landscape.

The quinta's outdoor spaces include areas with decorative trees. Among them, camellias stand out, contributing to the beauty and ambiance of the property, especially at certain times of the year.

Heritage Value

The recognized historical and architectural importance of Quinta do Cadeado led to its consideration for classification as a Property of Public Interest. Although this classification was not realized at the time, the quinta and its chapel are identified in the Vila Nova de Gaia Municipal Master Plan with a level of integral protection, safeguarding their heritage value.

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