House of the Quinta do Marquês do Alegrete

Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Santa Clara

Location

The Casa da Quinta do Marquês do Alegrete is located in the parish of Santa Clara, in Lisbon, an area that, once more peripheral, still retains traces of its former rural and noble vocation.

Situated in an environment that combines increasing urbanization with the memory of the vast country estates that characterized this part of the city, its location offers a glimpse into how Lisbon's nobility lived and retreated to their estates on the outskirts of the capital.

History and Lineage

This imposing house is intrinsically linked to the figure of the Marquês do Alegrete, a noble title of great relevance in Portuguese history, especially from the 17th century onwards. Its construction reflects the prestige and power of the noble families who sought to establish residences with the comfort and grandeur befitting their status, even in the vicinity of the capital.

Over the centuries, the Casa da Quinta do Marquês do Alegrete has witnessed various eras and social transformations, remaining a visible link to Lisbon's aristocratic past.

Architecture and Characterization

As a notable example of a noble house, its architecture reveals the distinctive features of the residences of the high Portuguese nobility. The Casa da Quinta do Marquês do Alegrete is characterized by its scale and grandeur, with a facade that may exhibit classical elements and symmetries that denote the architectural style of the period in which it was conceived or remodeled.

The building's volumes and the arrangement of its spaces suggest a life governed by social rituals and the administration of a vast estate, where the main residence was the center of all life on the estate.

Cultural and Heritage Value

The Casa da Quinta do Marquês do Alegrete holds significant cultural and heritage value, representing a living testament to Lisbon's urban and social evolution. Its preservation contributes to the memory of the city's aristocratic landscape, allowing for an understanding of a way of life and territorial organization that, despite being transformed, has left lasting marks.

This site offers an opportunity for reflection on the history of Portuguese nobility and its relationship with the surrounding space, contributing to the richness of the capital's built heritage.

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