Capela da Quinta de Vila Meã

Hidden in the heart of Porto, the Capela da Quinta de Vila Meã whispers tales of centuries past. This chapel, dedicated to Nossa Senhora dos Anjos, stands as a testament to the passage of time and the enduring spirit of this historic quinta. The Quinta de Vila Meã, also known as Quinta da Mitra, has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. The Vieira family, a prominent noble family, originally built and inhabited the quinta until the 19th century. Imagine the grandeur of their lives within these walls, surrounded by lush gardens, a tranquil lake, and an orchard bursting with fruit. The original estate stretched extensively, encompassing numerous properties and reaching from Godim to Fojo, an area that now includes the Praça das Flores. The quinta even included land where the Corujeira area and Monte Escoural, home to Quinta de Bonjóia, now stand. In 1866, the Vieira family sold the Quinta de Vila Meã to José Joaquim Pereira de Lima. This marked a significant turning point in the quinta’s history. Later, around 1920, the Mitra family purchased the property, hence the alternate name Quinta da Mitra. The very roundabout providing access to the VCI highway also bears the Mitra name, a constant reminder of the family’s influence on this area. The 20th century brought significant changes to the landscape of the quinta. The construction of the VCI highway and the railway line dramatically reduced the quinta’s size, forever altering its physical footprint. The Porto City Council later acquired the property and, in the 1980s, constructed a social housing project on the remaining land, creating the Bairro da Mitra. Despite the changes, the heart of the quinta, including the Capela da Quinta de Vila Meã, has survived. The chapel’s Baroque architectural details offer a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of the 18th century. The restored building whispers tales of the Vieira family, its original inhabitants. Today, the Capela da Quinta de Vila Meã stands as a reminder of the quinta’s enduring legacy, a peaceful haven amidst the hustle and bustle of modern Porto.