Valada-Azambuja Palace or Palace of the Counts of Azambuja

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santa Catarina

Location

The Valada-Azambuja Palace is nestled in the historic parish of Santa Catarina, one of Lisbon's most picturesque and elevated neighborhoods. Its position grants it a unique perspective on the urban fabric that surrounds it, characterized by narrow alleys, historic buildings, and an atmosphere that evokes the past of the Portuguese capital. This urban setting offers a genuine experience of Lisbon's character, where traditional life intersects with the grandeur of old noble residences.

History and Lineage

The history of the Valada-Azambuja Palace is intimately linked to the Lisbon nobility that inhabited it. Its construction dates back to a period before the tragic 1755 Earthquake, attesting to the city's resilience and architectural renewal capacity. Originally associated with the prominent Valada family, the palace saw its name enriched by the addition of the lineage of the Counts of Azambuja, a result of dynastic unions that marked centuries of history. This heritage reflects the life and customs of the Portuguese aristocracy, serving as a repository of memories and traditions spanning several generations.

Architecture and Highlights

As an example of the civil architecture that punctuated noble Lisbon, the Valada-Azambuja Palace presents a facade that, although sober, reveals intrinsic grandeur and characteristic details of the era. Its design reflects the stylistic trends between the late 17th and 18th centuries, with elements denoting the transition from Baroque to Rococo. Inside, it is common to find the decorative richness that distinguished these buildings, from elaborate stuccoes and painted ceilings to tile panels, which are true artistic narratives. These elements, together, tell the story of the taste and artisanal mastery of a significant period in Portuguese culture.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palácio_Valada-Azambuja

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