Quinta da Ribafria: Discover Sintra's Historic Estate & Gardens

QUINTA DA RIBAFRIA

Ensconced amidst the enchanting hills of Sintra, Quinta da Ribafria emerges as a hidden gem steeped in history and natural beauty. This historic estate, dating back to 1541, exudes an aura of timeless elegance and charm. Surrounded by lush gardens and picturesque landscapes, Quinta da Ribafria offers visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

Originally built as a summer residence for Portuguese nobility, the estate boasts exquisite architectural features, including intricate tile-work, ornate facades, and graceful gardens. Visitors can stroll through the meticulously landscaped grounds, adorned with vibrant flowers, towering trees, and tranquil ponds.

The Quinta da Ribafria manor house was constructed in the 16th Century, on the Lourel estate, by Gaspar Gonçalves. It typifies the Manueline style of the time. Quinta da Ribafria lay abandoned for many years before opening to the public in 2015. Quinta da Ribafria provides a glimpse into Portugal's rich cultural heritage and offers a serene retreat for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. With its captivating beauty and historical significance, this hidden oasis invites travellers to explore its storied past and bask in the splendour of its surroundings.

Quinta da Ribafria – Garden Chapel

Gaspar Gonçalves, granted the estate by King Dom Manuel I, named it Herdade das Laranjeiras (Orange Tree Estate), a nod to the abundant orange trees still dotting the grounds. Elevated to Lord of Ribafria by Dom João III, Gonçalves oversaw the construction of the main manor and a towering 17th-century edifice standing at thirty metres. Adorned with intricate cornices and his coat of arms, this tower remains a testament to his legacy. Despite sustaining damage from the 1755 earthquake, the estate endured, passing to the Cartaxo family in later years, who initiated restoration efforts in the 1960s.

Inside the manor, visitors encounter exquisite painted wooden ceilings featuring hunting and maritime scenes. Two chapels grace the property, one nestled within the forested gardens, adorned with stunning azulejo tiles. From 1987 to 2002, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation occupied the estate, overseeing garden enhancements under the guidance of esteemed Portuguese architects Francisco Caldeira Cabral and Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles. Today, under the stewardship of the Sintra Council, Quinta da Ribafria serves as a venue for cultural events and urban art exhibitions, with its gardens open to the public.