Hidden behind tall trees stands the Palacete da Quinta do Perez. Its story unfolds like a captivating novel.
The Palacete da Quinta do Perez wasn’t always known by that name. In 1750 it was called the Quinta da Fonte do Calhariz. Canon Manuel de Aguiar and his family lived there. He died in 1765. Four years later Judge José Pereira Sarmento took over. He left the quinta in 1772. He returned in 1777 as the Corregedor of Bairro Alto.
After his death the palace stood empty. Then in November 1827 Infanta D Ana de Jesus Maria and her fiancé the Duke of Loulé used it as a temporary palace. They married in 1828. They left for another country.
Seven years later in 1835 António Vitor Pereira de Sousa Peres bought the Quinta da Fonte do Calhariz. The palace was dilapidated. He completely remodeled it. He gave it its current name the Quinta do Peres.
Twelve years later in 1847 Vicente Gonçalves Rio Tinto the Baron of Rio Tinto lived there. He improved the building greatly. He used money he’d earned in Brazil.
José Iglesias a wealthy businessman owned the quinta next. He left it to his daughter. She married councilman José da Silveira Viana. They lived there until their deaths.
Finally the Palacete da Quinta do Perez became a private school. Classrooms were created inside. The gardens became a playground. Children enjoyed nature. The Palacete da Quinta do Perez has witnessed centuries of history a place of families wealth and education. Its walls whisper tales of kings judges and school children.