Palacete Anjos

Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House / Stately Mansion

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Misericórdia

Location

Palacete Anjos is located in the vibrant Príncipe Real neighbourhood, in the parish of Misericórdia, one of Lisbon's most distinguished and charming areas. Its position is remarkable, with the main façade facing the emblematic Praça do Príncipe Real, a landscaped public space that offers a serene and cosmopolitan atmosphere. At the rear, the mansion connects with the verdant Lisbon University Botanical Garden, creating a harmonious link between the urban and the natural.

Integrated into the 19th-century architectural ensemble of Praça do Príncipe Real, this building enjoys a slightly sloping terrain, which has historically allowed for privileged views over the city and even the Tagus River, depending on the observation point within the property.

Architectural Style

This mansion, built in the late 19th century, is a notable example of Lisbon's neoclassical architecture, characterized by its rectangular plan and the imposing nature of its two main floors, crowned by a mansard. Its main façade, divided into three distinct sections, displays a classical language and decorative sobriety that result in a set of harmonious and austere lines.

One of the most striking elements is the continuous stone balcony on the noble floor, adorned with an elaborate wrought-iron railing, which extends along the central body. The use of stonework for the ground floor cladding and the pilasters flanking the openings contribute to the grandeur and solidity of the building, reflecting a tradition of private architecture in the capital.

A Historical Journey

The history of Palacete Anjos dates back to the mid-18th century, but it was in 1874 that the capitalist Policarpo José Lopes dos Anjos acquired it, commissioning a total reconstruction from the Italian architect Giuseppe Luigi Cinatti. This intervention gave rise to the building we know today, a symbol of bourgeois ascension and the commercial genius of the era.

Over the decades, the mansion was home to several aristocratic families and the stage for historical moments, such as the period between 1912 and 1917, when it served as the United States Legation during the First World War. Later, it was acquired by the Bank of Portugal, which adapted it for its services. These transformations, particularly those that occurred during its ownership by the Bank of Portugal, significantly altered the original layout and interiors of the mansion, although its imposing exterior presence has been preserved.

Legacy and Renovation

Palacete Anjos is recognized for its heritage value, being included in several protection zones, such as those of the Águas Livres Aqueduct and the Botanical Garden. Currently, the building is undergoing a rehabilitation project signed by the renowned architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. This ambitious project aims to give new life to the mansion, transforming it into a multifunctional space that combines its historical identity with contemporary architectural innovations.

The intervention seeks to revitalize the building, preserving its original design and grandeur while adapting it to new uses, making it an example of how history and modernity can coexist in one of Lisbon's most coveted neighborhoods. The project's vision is to reveal its timeless beauty and architectural value once again, allowing its story to continue to be told.

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