Palacete António Ferreira de Carvalho

Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House / Stately Mansion

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Mercês

Location

The Palacete António Ferreira de Carvalho majestically rises in Lisbon, in the Mercês area, standing out in the capital's urban fabric. It occupies a unique position at the northern end of a block, presenting facades facing three important public thoroughfares: Praça do Príncipe Real, Rua do Jasmim, and Rua da Palmeira. This location on a mid-slope area gives it particular visibility, integrating it into the remarkable nineteenth-century architectural ensemble that characterizes this part of the city.

Historical Legacy

Built in 1861, this palacete initially served as the private residence of António Ferreira de Carvalho, a prominent figure of the time and administrator of the Railways. Its construction reflects the taste and affluence of 19th-century Lisbon bourgeoisie. Throughout the 20th century, the building adapted to new functions, housing, at different times, the Legations of Poland and Romania, which adds a layer of diplomatic history to its past. Later, in 1976, it was acquired and adapted for its current use, undergoing various conservation works that have maintained it over time.

An Architectural Expression

The Palacete António Ferreira de Carvalho is a notable example of the eclectic architecture that flourished in Lisbon in the second half of the 19th century. With its compact rectangular plan and imposing mansard roof, punctuated by dormer windows, the building reveals a well-defined vertical volume. Its facades, in painted render, are elegantly enlivened by a regular succession of openings, framed by simple stone moldings. The quoins and the plinth are also highlighted by this noble material, conferring a solidity and refinement characteristic of the era.

Refined Interior Details

Although not entirely a tourist attraction, the palacete hides elements of great value within its interiors. The vestibule and the staircase hall stand as the central axes of space organization, impressing with their scale and conception. The grand staircase, with its initial straight flight and diverging landings, is crowned by a rectangular skylight that floods the space with natural light. Special emphasis should be given to the 19th-century stuccoes, present in various areas, including the staircase ceiling and, notably, on the ceilings of the noble floor, where distinct decorative compositions can be observed, testifying to the artistic richness and care in the palacete's original finishes.

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