Pina Manique Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Azambuja > Manique do Intendente > Manique do Intendente, Vila Nova de São Pedro e Maçussa

Location:

Pina Manique Palace stands in the locality of Manique do Intendente, in the municipality of Azambuja. It is strategically located in the central square of the village, giving it a striking presence and making it easy to identify for visitors to the area.

The Intendant's Ambition:

The history of this palace dates back to the late 18th century, initiated by Diogo Inácio de Pina Manique, then Intendant General of Police. With the support of Queen D. Maria I, who in 1791 elevated the locality to a town in his honor, Pina Manique dreamed of building a true neoclassical settlement. The palace would be the central point of this grand project, which would also include a parish church, municipal buildings, and other infrastructures. However, the ambitious vision remained incomplete, interrupted by financial challenges and, later, by the death of the Intendant himself in 1805.

Features of Neoclassical Architecture:

Pina Manique Palace is a notable example of neoclassical architecture, attributed to the architect José da Costa e Silva. Although never fully completed, its main facade reveals the grandeur that was planned. This unique building incorporates, in the center of its two-story facade, a large church, accessed by an imposing staircase. The single-nave church features an interior with a curved wooden ceiling and is covered with polychrome marbles and stuccos, while the exterior facade displays details such as pilasters, balustrades, and triangular or curved pediments, topped by a bell tower.

Classified and Living Heritage:

Recognizing its historical and architectural value, Pina Manique Palace has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1993. Despite its unfinished construction history and periods of abandonment, the church part remains active, functioning as a parish church serving the local community. Over the years, the building has adapted to various uses, serving, for example, as a support center and community space, highlighting its lasting connection to the community.

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