Tomb of the Viscounts of Valmor

Category: Civil Architecture > Memorial

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > São João

Location

The Mausoleum of the Viscounts of Valmor is located in the Alto de São João Cemetery, an elevated area in the parish of Penha de França, in the city of Lisbon. Upon entering the walled enclosure of the cemetery, this monument stands out for its position, appearing to the right of the entrance, in a easily visible and accessible spot within the São João urbanization.

The cemetery itself is a point of urban interest in Lisbon, situated on top of a hill. Its location reflects the expansion of the city throughout the 20th century, offering an engaging urban landscape context.

An Artistic Homage

This mausoleum is a notable tribute to Fausto de Queirós Guedes (1837-1898), the second Viscount of Valmor. He was a diplomat and a fervent patron of the arts, whose passion culminated in the creation of the prestigious Valmor Prize for Architecture, which still distinguishes excellent works in Lisbon today.

The construction of the mausoleum, between 1899 and 1900, resulted from an artistic competition, reflecting the desire to create a monument worthy of a patron of the arts. Its conception involved the collaboration of several renowned artists of the time, making it a testament to the Viscount's dedication to Portuguese culture and artistic legacy.

Architectural and Sculptural Expression

The mausoleum project is the work of architect Álvaro Machado and is characterized by an eclectic aesthetic with a strong Byzantine influence and neo-Romanesque elements. The structure features a chapel with a Greek cross plan, covered by an octagonal-based dome, giving it a unique and imposing volume.

The robust and tiered facades are adorned with a profusion of ornaments that include stylized geometric and vegetal motifs. Four classical-looking statues adorn the exterior, representing the arts that the Viscount so ardently supported: Architecture, Sculpture, Engraving, and Painting. These sculptures were created by important names such as Costa Mota, Fernandes Sá, Tomás Costa, and Moreira Rato.

The Interior and the Legacy

Access to the interior of the mausoleum is through a bronze door crafted by Vicente Joaquim Esteves. Inside the chapel, the walls are enriched with four devotional murals, authored by notable artists such as Veloso Salgado, Carlos Reis, Conceição e Silva, and Ernesto Condeixa. The floor, covered in dark marble, contributes to the solemn atmosphere of the space.

Recognized for its heritage and symbolic value, the Mausoleum of the Viscounts of Valmor is classified as a Monument of Municipal Interest. It is considered a distinguished example of Lisbon's funerary architecture from the transition period between the 19th and 20th centuries, a true "combination of various arts" that endures as a cultural legacy.

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