Palace of the Storks

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Alvalade

Location

The Coruchéus Palace is located in the Alvalade area, a consolidated residential neighbourhood in the city of Lisbon. Although today it is surrounded by a modern urban fabric, the small palace recalls the times when this area consisted of vast estates on the outskirts of the capital, dedicated to agriculture and pastoralism. Its presence in the current urban context offers an interesting contrast between Lisbon's rural past and its contemporary growth.

Memory of an Old Estate

Originally built during the 18th century, this palace was an integral part of the Quinta dos Coruchéus (Coruchéus Estate). The property, which included agricultural and grazing lands, belonged to the Velho de Moscoso family, a lineage with roots in Viana do Castelo. The building then served a double function: supporting the estate's activities on the ground floor and as a stately residence on the upper floor, reflecting the way of life of the time.

Traces of a Resilient Past

The great earthquake of 1755 caused significant damage to the palace's structure. The construction we observe today is largely a later reconstruction, probably carried out in the late 19th century, but which managed to preserve elements of the original building. One of its most notable features is the loggia balcony, a vestige of the primitive architecture. By looking closely, it is possible to detect the reuse of old tiles, whose patterns do not always coincide, revealing the history of adaptation and renovation of the property. Interestingly, the name "Coruchéus" refers to pyramidal stone or wooden finials that adorned palatial buildings or towers, but which are no longer found in the current palace.

A House with Many Lives

With the expansion of Lisbon and the growing urbanization of the area, the estate was gradually dismantled, and the small palace eventually abandoned. In 1945, the property was acquired by the Lisbon City Council. Over the years, it served various purposes, even being used as a warehouse for costumes and props for the 1947 Historical Parade, an event that celebrated 800 years since the conquest of Lisbon. This use left its mark on popular memory, with stories of "queen and princess dresses" sighted there. Since 2013, the Coruchéus Palace fulfills a vital public function, housing the Biblioteca dos Coruchéus (Coruchéus Library), a space dedicated to reading, culture, and access to knowledge for the population.

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