São Bento Palace, exterior staircase and garden bordering the Prime Minister's residence or São Bento da Saúde Convent (former).

Category: Religious Architecture > Convent

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Estrela > Lapa

São Bento Palace

- Location and Function: Located in Lisbon, it has been the seat of the Parliament of Portugal since 1834.

- Initial History: Built in the late 16th century (1598) as the Monastery of São Bento da Saúde.

- Architectural Styles: Neoclassical, Mannerist, and Baroque.

- Historical Significance: From 1834 onwards, it became the seat of the General Courts of the Nation and went through several official denominations: Palace of the Courts, Palace of the Congress, and Palace of the National Assembly.

- Remodels: It underwent several remodels in the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting the intervention of Ventura Terra and the construction of the monumental staircase by António Lino da Silva.

- Current Designation: Since the mid-20th century, it has been known as the São Bento Palace.

Architectural Features

- Structure: Central body with arcades on the ground floor and a gallery with columns on the upper floor, topped by a decorated triangular pediment.

- Interior: Includes grand rooms such as the Chamber of Deputies Session Hall, the Hall of Lost Steps, and the Noble Hall.

- Artwork: Possesses several works of art from different periods of Portuguese history.

- Historical Museum: Integrates a museum with a diverse collection.

New Building

- Construction: Inaugurated in 1999, designed by architect Fernando Távora.

- Function: Supports the Assembly of the Republic and is connected to the palace by an interior access.

Passos Manuel Library

- Objective: To support the work of parliament with scientific and technical information.

- History: Created in 1836, it has a vast collection of books, monographs, and periodicals.

- Notable Collections: Includes national legislation, Diaries of the Assembly of the Republic, and Official Journals of the European Communities.

Palacete de São Bento

- Location: Behind the main building, on the grounds of the former monastery.

- Current Function: Official residence of the Prime Minister of Portugal.

- History: Built in 1877, it became the official residence of the President of the Council in 1937 and underwent several renovations over the years, especially after 1986.