The origins of the Quinta

History

The Villa Restelo condominium was built on the grounds of the former Quinta de Santo António, one of the most emblematic sites in the parish of Belém, steeped in history, between the Caselas neighbourhood and Restelo.

The excellence and sublimity of the Condominium date back to the Quinta's past.

Location

Quinta de Santo António, located between Rua do Gravato, Monsanto Forest Park and today's Rua Sam Levy (formerly Estrada de Caselas), was one of the many estates that dotted this western part of Lisbon, long known as Envoltas de Baixo. There were several estates in the area stretching as far as Belém, most notably Quinta de São José, Quinta da Marinheira and Quinta de Santo António.

Origins

The existence of Quinta de Santo António is recorded in the 18th century, more precisely in 1751, although its Manor House is thought to have been built as early as the 17th century. At the time, it was an important estate in Lisbon, with an image of Saint Anthony, carefully sheltered in a niche, displayed at its entrance. That image gave the Quinta its name, which, unlike its buildings, has survived the passing of time unscathed.

View brochure

TIMELINE

A rich and well-documented history.

17th century

Construction of the Manor House

The Manor House of Quinta de Santo António was built in the heart of the 17th century.

18th century

Establishing the identity of Quinta de Santo António

It was in the 18th century that the house was clad in azulejo tiles and two water-feature ponds were built in the gardens, with blue and white azulejo panels bearing allegorical themes (the seasons, the parts of the world, and so on).

19th century

Today, in what remains of the chapel, one of its owners, Fernando Cardoso Maia, who died in 1832, still lies in a simple grave. Stricken by a prolonged illness, he moved to England in search of a cure and died there, his remains later being transferred to Portugal, which is why a legend arose that the Quinta had belonged to an Englishman.

20th century

1940 | The house was inhabited and worship was still held in the chapel.

1973 | Classified as a Property of Public Interest.

1999 | Sociedade AFER, Engenharia e Construções, SA begins a development to build a condominium on the site, designed by architect José Eduardo Pires Marques.

2002 | Construction of the condominium buildings is completed, and the demolition of the house and destruction of the gardens begin.

001

002

003

004

005

006

A new direction for Quinta de Santo António.

Behind the building of a better future for Quinta de Santo António lies a vision founded on respect. Respect for the past. Respect for the landscape. Respect for everyone's differences and needs. Respect for space. Respect for history and for its natural successor, the future. Only in this way can developments be built to watch countless generations and endless stories pass through them. Only in this way is an identity forged. And that is the identity of Villa Restelo.