Quinta da Azeda Lookout

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Setúbal > São Gabriel

Location:

The Mirante da Quinta da Azeda is situated in the São Gabriel urbanization, in the city of Setúbal. This point of interest rises in an area that was once part of a country estate, presenting itself as isolated and prominent in the predominantly flat landscape of the zone. Although in an urban context, its position grants it a unique environment, distant from the hustle and bustle and set within a framework that harks back to its estate past.

Architecture and Innovation:

Built in the early 20th century, the Mirante da Quinta da Azeda is a striking example of the Romantic Revivalist architecture of the period. It represents one of the earliest applications of reinforced concrete in Portugal, showcasing the new technical and aesthetic capabilities that this material provided. Its polygonal-plan structure rises in three distinct floors, supported by ten slender rectangular pillars that lend lightness to the ensemble. The verticality is accentuated, culminating in a conical roof with a curved finial, topped by a weather vane.

The viewpoint stands out for its plastic expression, where formal character and geometrization are privileged, surpassing the functionality that was more common in the early days of concrete use. Access to the two upper floors is via an elegant helical iron staircase, which begins on the first floor and crosses the levels in a decentralized manner. The upper floors feature polygonal-lined ornamented balconies, contributing to its light and sophisticated aesthetic.

A Point of Observation and Leisure:

Originally, the Mirante da Quinta da Azeda was conceived as an element of leisure and contemplation for the estate's owners. Its elevation allowed for enjoying a wide view of the surroundings, offering a refuge for landscape observation. Maintaining its cultural and recreational function, this site is today a historical-cultural landmark, inviting a tranquil appreciation of its particular architecture and its setting. It is a testament to the architectural inventiveness of its time and an invitation to discover a historical corner in Setúbal.

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