Fidalga Farm

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Setúbal > Seixal > Arrentela > Cavaquinhas

Location

Located in Arrentela, in the municipality of Seixal, Quinta da Fidalga is set in a predominantly urban landscape, although framed by a valley. Its position offers views of the Baía do Seixal (Seixal Bay), allowing one to see the riverside scenery and, in the distance, the city of Lisbon.

Past and Tradition

With roots stretching back to the 15th century, Quinta da Fidalga is one of the oldest and best-preserved examples of the old agricultural and leisure estates in the region. Its past is linked to historical figures such as Paulo da Gama, brother of the navigator Vasco da Gama, who is said to have settled in Seixal to oversee the construction of caravels. Over the centuries, it was the summer residence of the Gama Lobo Salema family, and its current name, "da Fidalga", evokes the story of one of the house's daughters who lived reclusively there in the 19th century. The estate reflects centuries of Portuguese history, remaining a valuable testament to the past.

The Gardens and Landscape

One of the great attractions of Quinta da Fidalga lies in its vast gardens, which extend over 5.5 hectares. The space is organized into different areas, including a wooded area, an orchard, and pleasure gardens. In the 18th century, the estate was already recognized for its citrus orchards, and it is still possible to find arboreal specimens from that period today, which gives the gardens a unique botanical and landscape value. Paths wind through trees and vines, providing a tranquil and inviting atmosphere for a stroll.

The Manor House and the Tidal Pool

In the heart of the estate stands the manor house, a robust and traditional construction, white with red roofs, which served as a residence for several generations. Inside, there is a chapel with walls lined with 18th-century tiles. Outside, one of the most unique elements of the site stands out: the large Tidal Pool. This remarkable example of hydraulic architecture, considered rare in Europe, is a saltwater pool, supplied by the tide of the Baía do Seixal through an ingenious system of sluice gates. Around it, tiled benches and wrought-iron railings complement the beauty of this space, from which a viewpoint with panoramic views can be seen.

Artistic and Cultural Details

Quinta da Fidalga is a place where art and history are revealed in every corner. Its gardens are adorned with a vast collection of tiles from different periods, some brought to the site through the intervention of the architect Raul Lino in the 1950s. A fascinating collection of fountains and seats decorated with the embrechados technique, using pebbles, shells, and tiles to create artistic patterns, is also found here. Statues of Asian inspiration and a unique fish-shaped fountain, associated with the voyages of Vasco da Gama, further enrich the visit. In addition to its heritage beauty, the estate houses the Manuel Cargaleiro Art Workshop, whose building was designed by the architect Siza Vieira, and the International Centre for Contemporary Medal, making it a meeting point for contemporary art.

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