A late eighteenth century country garden
The 18th century Quinta dos Azulejos Garden is a true secret. It’s so hidden that no one’s there. And the best part: it’s not in any guidebooks. The garden is an oasis of peace and tranquillity, with the heady scent of jasmine wafting romantically in the air as an added bonus.
Quinta dos Azulejos was built for António Colaço Torres. The garden was designed in the Moorish tradition. It’s therefore inward looking with a central courtyard. In the golden age of azulejos, the tiling at Quinta took on three dimensions. It engulfed pillars, columns, arches, benches, and other architectural surfaces. The tiles are transformed into actual architecture. They depict elaborate scenes of chivalry, hunting, and religion.
The garden is owned by a small college, Colegio Manuel Bernardes. You can visit free of charge. But you need permission to enter. Visit the main entrance gate of the school during normal hours and ask for a visitor’s pass.
Address: 1600-549 Paço do Lumiar (Colégio Manuel Bernardes)
Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, and from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Entry fee: free
