House Veva de Lima

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Campo de Ourique

Location

Casa Veva de Lima is located in the Campo de Ourique area, in Lisbon, a residential area that maintains a distinct and traditional atmosphere. Its location offers a perspective of a calmer and more elegant Lisbon, away from the central hustle and bustle, but still integrated into the city's daily life. It is a place that harmoniously fits into the neighborhood's urban landscape, contributing to its character.

A Palatial House with History and Art

This palatial house, built at the end of the 19th century, in 1894, stands out as a remarkable example of the erudite architecture of the era. Its particularity lies in its ability to have preserved much of the original decoration and furnishings, especially in the vestibule and on the first floor. Upon visiting this space, it is possible to observe details such as the imposing noble entrance, the staircase with neoclassical elements, and the atrium adorned with Corinthian pilasters and unique stone flooring, which invite a journey back in time and reveal the aesthetics of a wealthy residence of the period.

Veva de Lima's Salon

The history of Casa Veva de Lima is intrinsically linked to the figure of Genoveva de Lima Mayer, better known as Veva de Lima, a writer and socialite who inhabited this space from 1920 onwards. Under her patronage, the house transformed into the last great Lisbon literary salon in the romantic tradition. During the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, the palatial house was a vibrant center for gathering and debate for prominent figures in literature, art, and politics of the time. Veva de Lima, known for her cosmopolitan lifestyle and for hosting memorable social and cultural events, shaped the atmosphere of the house, making it an important hub of intellectual and social effervescence in Lisbon.

The Preservation of a Legacy

To ensure the continuity of Casa Veva de Lima's cultural spirit, the writer's daughter founded the Associação Veva de Lima (Veva de Lima Association) in 1980. This entity has dedicated its efforts to keeping alive the tradition of cultural gatherings and promoting educational activities on site. The acquisition of the palatial house by the Municipality of Lisbon, accompanied by the donation of essential assets, allowed for the recreation and preservation of the authentic environment in which Veva de Lima and her husband lived. In this way, the house remains a valuable testament to a significant period of Lisbon's society and culture in the 20th century.

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