Naval Military Club

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Saldanha

Location

The Naval Military Club is located in the Saldanha area, in Lisbon, an area known for its urban dynamism. The building stands on Avenida Defensores de Chaves, a wide and tree-lined artery, standing out for its singular presence in the city environment. It is isolated by a small walled enclosure, which gives it a particular distinction in the urban landscape.

A Legacy in the Heart of the City

This building, currently classified as a Monument of Public Interest, has a multifaceted history that reflects the social and cultural evolution of Lisbon. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1917, it was initially conceived as a large single-family residence. Over the decades, the palace adapted to different functions, having served, for example, as the official residence of the Japanese ambassador in Portugal, a curious chapter in its trajectory. From 1989, the property began to house the Naval Military Club, an institution with a long and prestigious history, founded in 1866 by officers of the Portuguese Navy, which found its current home here.

Architectural Expression

The architecture of the Naval Military Club presents an eclectic style characteristic of the 20th century. Its facade, with a stepped volume and hip roofs, is adorned with stonework details, including pilasters and elaborate moldings around the windows. The wrought-iron railings, with vegetal motifs, add a remarkable decorative touch to the openings, while the central body, clad in stonework, displays a narrow and elegant main entrance.

Inside, an impressive marble staircase leads to a main atrium. Highlights include environments such as the designated "Louis XV Room" and an area that captivates with its blue and white tile panels, narrating historical scenes, and its three upper windows with colorful stained glass. The upper floor articulates with the atrium through a cloister and a staircase next to a large stained-glass window, culminating in a void space covered by a glass and wood structure, which singularly illuminates the interior environment.

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