A unique example of Baroque ‘urbanism’ in Portugal, the ensemble of the Praça Monumental de Santo Antão do Tojal, in Loures, comprises the Palácio dos Arcebispos (Palace of the Archbishops,) Garden, Pigeon Loft, Aqueduct, Monumental Fountain and Igreja Matriz ('Mother Church').
The Igreja Matriz was founded in the 13th century and rebuilt in 1554 by the Archbishop of Lisbon, D. Fernando de Vasconcelos de Meneses, who, after having acquired the old Quinta de Pêro Viegas, ordered the construction of a palace next to the temple for his residence during the summer season. Abandoned and neglected, the religious and residential complex that can be seen today was remodelled and erected by the architect of King D. João V, the Italian António Canevari, in 1731, at the request of the first patriarch of Lisbon, D. Tomás de Almeida.
On the facade of the church, the image of Nossa Senhora da Conceição stands out in the centre, on the left side, that of Queen Santa Isabel and, on the right side, that of Saint Bruno, in Carrara marble. The bell tower, crowned on all four sides, has three 18th century bells.
The Palácio dos Arcebispos or Palácio da Mitra is shaped as a ‘U’, having been executed to accommodate in all dignity D. João V in his travels to Mafra during the construction of the local convent. The high gate, prepared to accommodate large carriages, is surmounted by a railing lookout, supported on turned stone columns. Inside, in addition to the various panels of figurative tiles, stand three majestic male invitation figures in natural size, represented with lavish 18th century costumes.
The Aqueduct, built in the 18th century, was fed by a spring in Pintéus, which supplied the Chafariz dos Arcos and the Fonte Monumental. It is two kilometres long and is based on more than ninety arches, the largest of which opens over the national road.
The Monumental Fountain, integrated in a two-storey building, is located in the centre of the building, in a recessed position, at the top of a seven-step staircase that opens in a fan. It consists of a sink that receives water from two figureheads and a tank where water flows from the mouth of three others.
The monumental ensemble of Santo Antão do Tojal has been classified as a Monument of Public Interest since December 24, 2012.
