If you’re driving on the N266 from Portimâo on your way up to Monchique, you won’t miss the imposing 18th century farmhouse standing proudly on an elevated plot in Vale de Boi, just before the entrance to Caldas de Monchique.
As is common practice in Portugal, this magnificent property has been passed down through the generations. Originally owned by one of the wealthiest local families, its current guardians decided to open up their estate as a museum of 18th century life in the Algarve. Visitors to Parque da Mina can wander around the vast, green and tranquil grounds at their leisure. There’s an educational trail which includes an example of a typical medronho distillery, a deactivated ore mine shaft and a 17th century ruin, not to mention a menagerie of different farm animals to keep the kids amused, including ponies, miniature goats, Vietnamese pigs, sheep and various species of birds; oh, and the countless jumping frogs!
The main attraction
Tours of the house are given every half hour. The interior is decorated in period style and each room gives a good insight into family life in the 18th century. The original owners were collectors and their amazing collection of antique wall and table clocks is on display along with an interesting and fascinating conglomeration of objects from the past. Each room is cleverly set out to showcase its main purpose and mannequins dressed in traditional clothing are strategically positioned to bring the scenes to life.
The focal point of the spacious kitchen, where family meals would have been prepared by the servants, is a huge fireplace. It would have been considered very well equipped in its day – no refrigerator or microwave though! The grand dining room is decorated in rich Rococo (late Baroque) style. The music room, with its collection of hunting trophies, is a little daunting, but also a sure sign of how times have changed. The rather cold and stark bathroom features an 18th century bathtub, imported from England; no doubt the height of fashion in its time.
In the cellar there’s an assortment of farming machinery and a great example of a general store in 18th century Algarve. The olive oil dispensing pump (pictured right) on the counter bears testimony to the Algarveans longstanding love affair with this local fruit.
It’s worth a visit. So, next time you’re on the road to or from Monchique, don’t pass Parque da Mina by. It’s open all year round.
You can visit the website or call 282 911 622 for more information.
If you’re interested in buying a traditional property in the Algarve, there are many for sale either already renovated or in need of restoration.
Places to visit in the Algarve: Parque da Mina
by Almonds and Oranges
Tours of the house are given every half hour. The interior is decorated in period style and each room gives a good insight into family life in the 18th century. The original owners were collectors and their amazing collection of antique wall and table clocks is on display along with an interesting and fascinating conglomeration of objects from the past. Each room is cleverly set out to showcase its main purpose and mannequins dressed in traditional clothing are strategically positioned to bring the scenes to life.
In the cellar there’s an assortment of farming machinery and a great example of a general store in 18th century Algarve. The olive oil dispensing pump (pictured right) on the counter bears testimony to the Algarveans longstanding love affair with this local fruit.
It’s worth a visit. So, next time you’re on the road to or from Monchique, don’t pass Parque da Mina by. It’s open all year round.
You can visit the website or call 282 911 622 for more information.
If you’re interested in buying a traditional property in the Algarve, there are many for sale either already renovated or in need of restoration.
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