Alves Machado Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santo António

Location

Palacete Alves Machado stands in an urban area of Lisbon, in the parish of Santo António. It is located on a hillside, ascending from the bustling Avenida da Liberdade towards the Botanical Garden. Its position on Rua do Salitre integrates it into an urban fabric marked by other notable buildings of the era.

Architecture and Facade

Built in the second half of the 19th century, Palacete Alves Machado is a notable example of residential architecture from that period, displaying clear neoclassical characteristics. Its structure stands out for its quadrangular plan and its four facades, which display an identical design, emphasizing the symmetry of the project. Its floors are marked by French windows with elaborate cast-iron railings, adding an ornamental touch. One of the most distinctive elements is the cross-shaped roof, which gives the building a unique profile. The main entrance, facing south on Rua do Salitre, is accentuated by a double flight of stairs leading to the door.

Interior Decoration

Upon exploring the interior of Palacete Alves Machado, attention is immediately drawn to its rich and varied decoration. The entrance atrium leads to a grand wooden staircase, with semicircular flights and wrought-iron railings, a central element illuminated by a skylight. Beneath this skylight, the ceiling displays stucco medallions and trompe-l'œil paintings, attributed to the painter José Maria Pereira Júnior. On the staircase landings and in various rooms, oil paintings on canvas are discovered, with a markedly romantic and naturalistic character. These works represent fauna and flora, but also idealized views of Portugal. Noteworthy are the details of garden birds and exotic birds, which are thought to be an allusion to the experiences of some of the former owners in Brazil. Furthermore, the rooms facing the staircase reveal mural paintings inspired by the classical Greco-Roman world, the French Louis XVI style, and Neo-Arabic art, creating distinct and engaging environments.

Heritage and Chronology

Palacete Alves Machado, initially a prestigious private residence, began its construction in 1876. Throughout its history, it passed through various hands and uses, reflecting the social and urban transformations of Lisbon. It was, for example, owned by the Alves Machado brothers, who gave it its name, and who are believed to have enriched its interior with references to their travels. Later, it served different institutions before being acquired by the State and, subsequently, by Fundação Oriente. Its cultural and historical relevance is officially recognized, having been classified as a Monument of Public Interest since 2018, a distinction that covers both the palacete itself and its garden and the valuable integrated artistic heritage it holds within.

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