Category: Civil Architecture > Small Palace
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Estrela
Located in the historic parish of Estrela, in Lisbon, this mansion is situated in an area of notable tranquility and prestige, characteristic of the most affluent residential neighborhoods of the Portuguese capital. Its façades overlook Pau da Bandeira, Sacramento à Lapa, Ribeiro Sanches, and Prior streets, benefiting from a placement that gives it prominence in the surrounding urban fabric.
The location in the Estrela parish, known for its architectural grandeur and serene atmosphere, places the mansion in an area where history and opulence are manifested in the surrounding buildings, offering an urban context of great beauty and heritage value.
Built in the late 19th century, this imposing building, originally known as the Palace of the Viscounts and Counts of Olivais and Penha-Longa, was created as a distinguished residence for one of the prominent families of the Portuguese nobility. Its construction reflects the period of expansion and modernization of the city of Lisbon, where the bourgeoisie and aristocracy invested in building sumptuous homes.
Throughout its existence, the mansion has witnessed several transformations, remaining a symbol of prestige. Currently, this grand property serves as the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Portugal, continuing to play a relevant role in the diplomatic and urban landscape of the city of Lisbon.
The Lapa Palace is a remarkable example of civil architecture of its time, characterized by its scale and elegance. Its façade displays a harmonious and refined design, highlighted by an arched portal, an element that lends grandeur to the main entrance. Above this, or at other prominent points, a decorative balustrade adds a touch of sophistication and detail, common in the residences of high society in the late 19th century.
Internally, the mansion reveals a spatial organization typical of noble homes, centered around an inner courtyard. This courtyard is distinctive for being covered by a skylight, allowing natural light to enter and creating a bright and airy atmosphere in the heart of the building, an ingenious architectural feature for the period.
The importance and the cultural and historical value of the Palace of the Viscounts and Counts of Olivais and Penha-Longa are officially recognized. The building is protected and classified as a Property of Public Interest, a designation that safeguards its architectural integrity and ensures its preservation as an integral part of the built heritage of the Portuguese capital.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.707106671315465,-9.164960842536042
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'25.6"N 09°09'53.9"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
