Chantre Estate

Category: Nature > Farm

District: Porto > Matosinhos > Chantre > Pinhal do Chantre

Location

Quinta do Chantre is located in the municipality of Matosinhos, situated in the area known as Chantre. It is found in the parish of Custóias, Leça do Balio and Guifões, in an area bordering the neighboring municipality of Maia.

Historical Origins

The history of this complex dates back to the 18th century. It was commissioned and built between 1732 and 1736 by Domingos Barbosa, who held the position of canon and Chantre (precentor) of Porto Cathedral, hence the property's name. The architectural design is believed to be the work of Nicolau Nasoni, one of the most significant Baroque architects in the Porto region. Quinta do Chantre is recognized for its patrimonial value, having been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1978.

Unique Architecture

The main house, with a rectangular plan, features a façade with a remarkable sense of balance. At its center, an imposing turret stands out, displaying the coat of arms of the Barbosa and Albuquerque families. One of the most striking elements is the elegant exterior staircase, which invites one to ascend to the noble floor. The windows and balconies opening onto the façade feature detailed granite stonework. This work is considered one of Nasoni's significant contributions to the collection of Baroque country houses in the surroundings of Porto.

Exterior Details and Ambiance

The main access to the quinta is through an ornate iron gate. From here, a wide tree-lined avenue opens up, visually leading to the house. The gardens surrounding the building, punctuated by sculptural elements and fountains, contribute to creating an ambiance that reflects the Baroque taste for landscape scenography, characteristic of Nasoni's interventions. On the gate and the coat of arms, we can observe heraldic symbols such as lions and fleurs-de-lis, representing the families connected to its construction.

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