Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva Foundation

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santiago

Location

Situated in the historic heart of Lisbon, next to Largo das Portas do Sol, the Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva Foundation benefits from an elevated position on São Jorge hill. The surroundings are marked by the urban fabric of Alfama, with its winding streets and the characteristic atmosphere of one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods. Its location allows for the appreciation of the capital's unique atmosphere, being set within a context of great historical and cultural value.

The Palace and the Collections

The Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva Foundation operates in a remarkable building, the Azurara Palace. Although its origins date back to the 17th century, the palace was carefully restored in the mid-20th century, seeking to evoke the grandeur of an 18th-century aristocratic house. Inside, visitors can admire the beauty of the original ceilings and the details of tile panels that adorn the various rooms, maintaining the atmosphere of the era.

The exhibited collections reflect the richness of Portuguese decorative arts. An extensive collection of furniture stands out, spanning from the late 16th to the 19th century, including rare pieces of Luso-Oriental influence. The exhibition is complemented by a valuable selection of ceramics, which includes Portuguese commissioned Chinese porcelain and national faience, as well as sculpture works of a predominantly religious nature. It is also possible to appreciate a vast collection of civil goldsmithing, paintings that complement the environments, and a notable collection of textiles, with examples of Arraiolos rugs and historical tapestries.

Living Crafts

Beyond the museum, the Foundation is a vibrant centre for the preservation of knowledge. In its annex buildings, there are eighteen traditional workshops where experienced artisans work daily, applying ancestral techniques. Here, visitors have the opportunity to observe masters in crafts such as carpentry, gilding, bookbinding, and woodcarving, keeping alive the art of yesteryear. This dedication to crafts actively contributes to the protection and dissemination of Portuguese artistic and cultural heritage.

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