Quinta do Álamo

Category: Nature > Farm

District: Setúbal > Seixal > Arrentela > Álamo

Location:

Quinta do Álamo is situated in the locality of Arrentela, in the municipality of Seixal, within the Álamo urbanization. This vast property, spanning approximately 18 hectares, is distinguished by its extensive size and direct connection to the Tagus estuary, located in an environment that combines urban development with a significant natural presence.

Legacy and Identity:

The history of Quinta do Álamo dates back, at least, to 1833, a date found on a plaque in the manor house and marking the probable construction of the property. Over the centuries, the quinta has had various owners, including the D’Orey family, who used it as a summer retreat. In 1971, the property was ceded to the Diocese of Setúbal, beginning a new chapter.

It was from 1975 onwards that Quinta do Álamo assumed a unique role, adapting to the social needs of the time. The manor house served as the birthplace for a nursery school, and the property became a meeting place and retreat for scout groups and young people. This journey shaped a strong community identity, making the quinta a symbolic space of welcome and sharing, where social and spiritual dimensions intertwine with the experience of the natural environment.

The Gardens and Biodiversity:

Quinta do Álamo stands out for its rich plant biodiversity, presenting a green tapestry that invites exploration. An imposing avenue of boxwood, pines, and cypresses welcomes visitors, leading to the manor house. Around the residence, the gardens are one of the highlights, with sculpted boxwood beds that reveal a meticulous landscape design.

These green spaces are further enriched by a collection of exotic species, many of them centuries old, reflecting the aesthetic canons of the 19th century. Notably, two majestic Washingtonia robusta palm trees stand in the square in front of the house. The environment is complemented by forest areas, vegetable gardens, and an orchard, offering a varied and serene landscape. Next to the house, seven white porcelain sculptures, representing classical female figures, add an artistic and timeless element to the ensemble.

Hydric and Architectural Heritage:

Quinta do Álamo preserves remnants of an elaborate hydric system, fundamental to its history as a recreational and agricultural estate. Scattered throughout the property are norias and tanks that once ensured irrigation. The most imposing noria, near the manor house, with its four five-meter-high pillars, is a testament to the ingenious animal-powered technology used to lift water.

Also noteworthy is the Tanque da Bica, next to the house, which once served to water the gardens, connected to a semicircular tank by a gargoyle. Other small decorative tanks complement this water circuit. The manor house itself, despite recent interventions, retains its original profile. Another interesting structure is the duck pond pergola, made of green-painted iron, which extends over a limestone pavement and offers a serene view of the lake, occasionally serving as a stage for outdoor events.

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