Roque Gameiro House

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Museum

District: Lisboa > Amadora > Venteira > Bairro Janeiro

Location

Casa Roque Gameiro stands in the parish of Venteira, in the municipality of Amadora. Built between 1898 and 1901, its original position on an elevated point afforded it expansive views over vast cultivated fields that stretched to the horizon. In an era when the area was more isolated, far from the railway line, the residence enjoyed a rural setting, very different from the urban landscape that now surrounds it.

The Legacy of the Gameiro Family

This residence was the home and studio of Alfredo Roque Gameiro, one of the most notable Portuguese watercolorists, and his family. The house became a true artistic epicentre for the "Brush Tribe" (Tribo dos Pincéis), a name given to the generation of his children, many of whom also pursued artistic careers, perpetuating the creative environment that thrived here. The house's design was conceived by Roque Gameiro himself, reflecting the artistic and nationalist ideals of the late 19th-century cultural elite.

Architecture and the Art of Azulejos

Casa Roque Gameiro is a remarkable example of the "Portuguese House" (Casa Portuguesa) aesthetic, an architectural style that integrated characteristics from different regions of the country. Inside, visitors will find a distinctive set of azulejos (tiles) that lend the space a particular beauty. The main floor stands out with its white azulejo wainscoting and two medallions representing allegories to watercolour and lithography, techniques mastered by Roque Gameiro. The dining room, in particular, displays an azulejo pattern with naturalist themes, designed by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, revealing an artistic collaboration of great value.

A Space of Memory and Culture

Classified as a Monument of Public Interest, Casa Roque Gameiro transcends its original function as a dwelling. Today, it is a space dedicated to preserving the memory of the Gameiro family and to cultural dissemination. Visitors can explore some of the rooms that were once the family's home, gaining insight into the environment in which they lived and created. Additionally, the building regularly hosts temporary exhibitions on its lower floors, maintaining its role as a dynamic cultural hub in Amadora.