Quinta do Conventinho
2670 Loures
Téléphone: (+351) 219.839.600
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Quinta do Conventinho
Quinta do Conventinho
The entrance to this old farm is through an avenue lined with mulberry trees, a narrow road leading to the free parking lot.
The name of the estate (Little Convent) reveals its origins: the Convent of the Holy Ghost was built here by Capuchin friars in 1575, with the main objective of providing charitable services to the local population.
The friars lived in the convent up to 1834, when the liberals took power and abolished the religious orders.
Costa Cabral, count of Tomar and minister of the queen Dona Maria II, bought it in auction for the value of 200 escudos, and made it his summer residence.
In 1995, it was acquired by the Loures City Council; presently, it keeps a furbished cell to illustrate how the friars lived.
Quinta do Conventinho, one of the main culture and leisure spots in this area, has several points of interest, including the
Municipal Museum.
To the side of the museum, there is the old convent chapel.
The cloister is an interesting space, deserving a stop to examine the tile panels from the 18th century.
It is through the cloister that visitors access the Documentation Center (free consultation, Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm), where information concerning the history of the area is provided, through photographs, bibliography and other documents.
The gardens that surround the convent are serious tribute to Nature, with trees of diverse origins (practically all identified), a typical Portuguese olive orchard extending up a small hill and a pedagogical farm.
In the gardens, there are some old fountains, including the majestical Lion Fountain.
From the miradors, located at raised points, visitors have excellent views of the city and its surroundings.