History
The present-day civil parish of Santo António was formed by merging the former parishes of São José, Coração de Jesus and São Mamede in Lisbon’s 2012 administrative reorganisation. Its name honours Santo António, a central figure in Lisbon’s identity.
Its main axis, Avenida da Liberdade, replaced Passeio Público. Created after the 1755 earthquake on land previously used for orchards and cultivation, this garden was, for part of its history, enclosed by walls with controlled access. In the 19th century it became one of Lisbon’s more elegant promenading spots, before being demolished to make way for a broad avenue inspired by European boulevards. Opened in 1886, the avenue retained a social role in its tree-lined central walks and helped Lisbon expand northwards.
Further up, Real Fábrica das Sedas do Rato was founded by royal charter in 1734 and completed in 1741. The project included the planned Bairro das Águas Livres, with homes and workshops for silk makers, as well as mulberry trees to feed silkworms. Capela de Nossa Senhora de Monserrate, built by the manufacturers within an arch of the Aqueduto das Águas Livres, keeps that history in public view.