Beneath our feet lies more than just cobblestone. Here at the Quinta dos Azulejos Plaque we are standing on a piece of Lisbon’s soul. The Quinta dos Azulejos is not just a place it is a journey through time.
This hidden gem is located in the Paço do Lumiar. Today the Quinta dos Azulejos houses the Colégio Manuel Bernardes. A visit to the Quinta is only possible by appointment.
Let’s step back to the 18th century. António Colaço Torres a nobleman and friend of King Dom José I built this place. Imagine being António Colaço Torres. It is 1745 and you are commissioning the Quinta dos Azulejos. Construction will continue for about ten years.
In 1753 King Dom José I visited the Quinta dos Azulejos with his family. A plaque made in 1760 commemorated this visit. It was moved to the rear facade between 1920 and 1921. Imagine how the royal family marveled at the azulejos.
The Quinta dos Azulejos truly lives up to its name. It features the most elaborate use of azulejos in a garden setting. Walls pillars and arches are covered in azulejos. The azulejos outnumber the plants in the garden.
On the south wall facing the main house are four tableaus. They depict biblical scenes like John the Baptist preaching. The Dance of Salome The Wedding at Cana and The Miracle of the Loaves.
The garden also features secular scenes. You can find park landscapes courtly couples and elaborate fountains. In contrast to the blue paintings are manganese-colored animals. Exotic creatures inhabit park landscapes. These animals coexist peacefully.
As you explore notice the triumphal arches. They are adorned with vases and intricate designs. These arches frame views of biblical scenes. They also highlight resting benches with beautiful azulejos.
Look closely at the park benches. Their backrests showcase blue landscapes. Rocaille frames add to their splendor. You will see emblems of Hercules and Perseus.
Time and weather have taken their toll. Yet the azulejos retain their cultural value. The Quinta dos Azulejos is under state protection. This ensures its preservation for future generations.
In 1935 Padre Augusto Gomes Pinheiro founded the Colégio Manuel Bernardes here. This act preserved the azulejo collection. The azulejos adorn the main level of the garden.
The garden has a rectangular layout. It extends from the house. Paths run along the walls. The garden is small but filled with azulejos. Most were made at the Real Fábrica de Faianças do Rato. This was during the early Rococo period.
The entrance features an iron gate. A wisteria tunnel and columns line the path. The octagonal columns are covered in azulejos. Biblical and garden scenes decorate the walls.
Mythological figures like Perseus and Andromeda appear. The Pleiades Icarus Echo and Narcissus also feature. The azulejos on the benches depict rural and garden scenes.
A curved bench surrounds a small stone pond. The Rococo curves are covered in azulejos. Octagonal columns support the structure. A wisteria pergola provides shade. A fountain with tile-covered columns stands opposite the bench.
Today the Colégio Manuel Bernardes interrupts the central axis. Originally it was a path with boxwood flowerbeds. Roses strelitzias and hibiscus lined the way.
On the west side columns and biblical panels appear. Statues of the seasons add to the charm. This area features panels of accurately painted animals. Exotic animals like the dodo are present.
The Quinta dos Azulejos is a unique treasure. It is a testament to artistry and history. It is a place where tiles tell stories.