Vale Flor Palace, Carlton Hotel

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santo Amaro

Location

The Vale Flor Palace is located in Alto de Santo Amaro, in the parish of Alcântara, Lisbon, offering a unique perspective over this historic area of the Portuguese capital. Its position gives it a secluded atmosphere, despite its proximity to the city's main axes.

History and Significance

Built in the late 19th century, in 1891, the Vale Flor Palace was commissioned by José Luís Constantino Dias, a prominent Portuguese emigrant who amassed a considerable fortune in São Tomé and Príncipe, and who would later receive the title of Marquis of Valle Flor. The building reflects the ambition and aesthetic taste of the high bourgeoisie of the time, serving as a testament to the prosperity and cultural influences that marked Lisbon during this period. In 1997, the palace was classified as a National Monument, thus recognizing its exceptional historical and architectural value within the Portuguese heritage landscape.

Architecture and Art

The architectural design of the Vale Flor Palace involved notable figures from Portuguese and Italian architecture. Although the main construction of the palace began in 1891, the Portuguese architect José Ferreira da Costa continued the project from 1910 onwards. The artistic details, in turn, were masterfully handled by Miguel Ventura Terra. It is worth noting that the landscaping project and some of the exterior pavilions are attributed to Nicola Bigaglia, whose work took place between 1905 and 1906. Inside, the palace dazzles with an atmosphere of refinement, highlighted by French influences, the profuse use of marble, frescoes adorning the ceilings, and majestic stained-glass windows that filter the light. Particularly noteworthy are the ceilings painted in an oriental style, with "Namban" elements, by Eugénio Cotrim. A vast and significant collection of stucco work further enriches its halls.

The Gardens and Exterior Elements

Surrounding the palace are meticulously manicured gardens that invite visitors to stroll and contemplate. In these outdoor spaces, the Lake House (Casa do Lago) deserves special attention, a pavilion built in an oriental style in the late 19th century, which adds an exotic and distinct touch to the landscaped ensemble of the Vale Flor Palace, reflecting the artistic trends and cultural references of the era in which it was built.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palácio_Vale_Flor

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt