Quinta de São Miguel

Category: Civil Architecture > Farm

District: Setúbal > Almada > Pragal > Casquilho

Location

Quinta de São Miguel is situated in the Casquilho area, in the locality of Pragal, part of the municipality of Almada. Although integrated into an environment that has undergone urbanization, the property maintains its isolated essence, demarcated by an imposing masonry wall. Once part of a predominantly rural setting, with extensive agricultural lands, the quinta preserves an atmosphere that harks back to its original times, offering a glimpse of a more country past within the urban fabric.

Architecture and Heritage

This property, classified as being of Municipal Interest, reveals a rich history through its architecture. Quinta de São Miguel is an example of Mannerist quinta, with its structure divided into two blocks of buildings arranged perpendicularly. The main access is through an iron gate, opening onto a courtyard. On the exterior, an arched portal adorned with volutes stands out, and in its tympanum, an expressive polychrome tile panel, where the figure of Saint Michael is central. The ensemble presents a variety of volumes and roofs, adapting to the terrain's slopes, which gives it a dynamic and singular appearance.

Inside, despite renovation interventions, the quinta preserves elements of notable interest. The fireplace, with its molded opening and Baroque pediment, draws the eye, and on the upper floor of one of the sections, an elaborate "tecto em masseira" (a type of wooden ceiling) can be found. The property's old chapel, with its two-story body and once flanked by a small bell tower, has been adapted over time for other functions, revealing the evolution and versatility of this centuries-old space.

Evolution and Cultural Use

The history of Quinta de São Miguel dates back to the 18th century, the period when it came into the possession of the Counts of São Miguel and saw important constructions, such as part of the main block and the chapel, intended for agricultural activities. In the 19th century, the property was adapted into a residence, changing its functionality. More recently, in the late 20th century, the quinta gained a new life, undergoing recovery and restoration works to host artistic activities, namely sculpture, ceramics, and glass workshops. This transformation highlights the site's ability to reinvent itself, remaining a point of reference with a multifaceted past and a present focused on heritage preservation.

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