Category: Civil Architecture > Palace
District: Lisboa > Oeiras > Oeiras
The Palácio da Flor da Murta is located in the town of Oeiras, in the municipality of the same name, within the district of Lisbon. Its position offers an environment that combines proximity to the coastal area and the urban development of the Cascais Line, while still maintaining a certain seclusion and an atmosphere of historical heritage.
Dating from the mid-16th century, the Palácio da Flor da Murta emerged as an integral part of the vast manorial estate then known as Quinta da Terrugem. This residence, initially linked to the influential Correia Barém family, symbolized the wealth and status of its first owners, reflecting the prevailing architectural and cultural trends of the Portuguese nobility at the time.
Later, during the 18th century, the property passed into the hands of the Meneses family, a period that marked a phase of significant transformations. It was at this time that the palace gained a strong association with D. Luísa Clara de Portugal, a notable figure and a favourite of King D. João V, known by the nickname "Flor da Murta" (Myrtle Flower). Her presence gave the palace a central place in aristocratic life, driving substantial renovations, including the addition of a second floor and the adaptation of architectural elements to the styles then in vogue.
Within the property, one finds a small chapel of notable historical and spiritual value. Its entrance is adorned with a coat of arms engraved with the date 1549, a piece attributed to Damião Dias da Ribeira that serves as a visual testament to the site's great antiquity. Historical accounts suggest that mass was celebrated in this chapel by the famous Friar Bartolomeu dos Mártires, a figure of great importance in the religious history of Portugal, which gives the space added spiritual and cultural significance.
The gardens surrounding the palace are one of its most distinctive features, offering a serene and meticulously beautiful environment. Among its details are a sundial, a small lake with a fountain at the entrance, and a larger side lake that contributes to the harmony of the scenery. These green spaces are supported by an ingenious hydraulic system dating from the 18th century, designed with underground conduits and air vents that are still visible today. This remarkable system was part of a regional water supply network, contemporary to the imposing Aqueduto das Águas Livres (Aqueduct of the Free Waters), revealing the advanced technological capabilities and the concern for sustainable water management of that era.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palácio_da_Flor_da_Murta
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.70167079583262,-9.284075676506486
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'6.0"N 09°17'2.7"W
Weather Oeiras
On-duty Pharmacy Oeiras
