Baroque Estate of Alva

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Equestrian Centre

District: Setúbal > Alcochete > Barroca de Alva > Herdade Barroca de Alva

Location

Herdade Barroca de Alva is strategically located in the locality of Barroca de Alva, in the municipality of Alcochete. This vast property is integrated into the landscape of the Ribatejo lezíria, characterized by its close connection to the Tagus estuary, offering a serene natural environment a short distance from the city of Lisbon.

Landscapes and Biodiversity

Extending over a significant area, the estate is an example of harmonious coexistence between human activity and environmental conservation. Its lands encompass diverse landscapes, from montado (cork oak forests) and pastures that feed livestock, to extensive rice paddies and paul zones (wetlands). These environments are of particular ecological relevance, serving as habitats for a rich diversity of species, including water birds such as storks and herons, as well as amphibians and reptiles, contributing to the maintenance of the region's biodiversity.

Equestrian and Bullfighting Tradition

Herdade Barroca de Alva is recognized for its strong connection to equestrian and bullfighting traditions. The breeding of fighting bulls and bullfighting horses constitutes one of the pillars of the estate, reflecting a long-standing vocation for these activities. The space is the stage for important equestrian events, including national and international competitions, demonstrating the vitality of the equestrian culture that is maintained there.

A Rich Past

The territory of Herdade Barroca de Alva has a deep history, with vestiges indicating human occupation since Roman and Arab times. One of its most notable elements is the Ermida de Santo António d’Ussa, a unique construction with origins dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. This hermitage stands out for its Renaissance architecture, with a circular plan and a domed roof, and its unique surroundings, characterized by a circular lake and two concentric walls that surround it, giving it an atmosphere of timeless tranquility. Additionally, the estate houses the Ermida de Nossa Senhora das Graças, another monument of historical significance, erected by the Viscounts of Alcochete.

The development of the estate owes much to the vision of figures like Jacôme Ratton, who in the 18th century implemented extensive agricultural and forestry improvements. It was under his management that the drainage of paul zones, the planting of cork oaks and pine forests, and the promotion of mulberry cultivation for the silk industry took place, transforming Barroca de Alva into a model property and a hub of innovation for its time.

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