Description
Near the Parish of São Martinho, in the old sintrense village, stands the "Palace of ribafria" (also known as Casa Pombal) built in 1534 by Gaspar Gonçalves, to whom in 1541 was granted the title of Lord of Ribafria.
This property remained in the possession of that family until 1727, the year it was acquired by the archpriest of the Holy Patriarchal Church, Paulo de Carvalho de Ataíde and who later bequeathed it to his nephew Sebastião Jose de Carvalho e Mello, Count of Oeiras and Marques de Pombal.
Inspired by the Renaissance style still marked by medieval tradition, this property was transformed by successive restorations, the result of different benefit campaigns.
Deep in the flanks of the mountains and the three bodies of buildings arranged in U, this property is distributed by a paradisiacal garden, overflowing with light overlooking the entire sintra mountain range and historical monuments such as pena palace and moorish castle and a panoramic view of the beaches and the sea.
From the entrance, an elegant lobby sets the tone of the house. Domed by warheads supported by a set of arches and center lines that are born from each angle is also ornamented by eardrums representing traditional medieval motifs and "modern" vault closures like this sun-shaped house. However, the most interesting aspect is the separation of the courtyard by two arches of perfect curves supported by very Italianized-style capitals with their vaults and mascharões.
Its interiors preserve all its richness and history, highlighting itself at the top of the dining room, a balcony, with lambril of Mudejar tiles and cover with ribbed vault, topped by three arcades, which overlap two medallions sporting busts carved in high relief and can be inserted by their plastic materialization, insert in the tradition of Nicolas Chanterene. "French Nicholas" to the center impose sums up a small circular fountain with central element in alabaster. The Manueline chapel is integrated into the building and has long been closed.
Two centuries later, following the earthquake of 1755, religious offices were celebrated here, since according to the accounts of the time the church of St. Martin situated opposite had been badly damaged. Since the house suffered damage to the owner at this time, the Marques de Pombal remade the façade.
The "Palace of Ribafria" is a historic house that represents the true treasure of the Portuguese Renaissance.
Ideal for a future museum in Sintra.
