Count of Agrolongo Mansion

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Lapa

Location

Situated in the emblematic Lapa district of Lisbon, the Palacete do Conde de Agrolongo is located on Rua do Sacramento à Lapa. This area is recognized for its distinct atmosphere, characterized by tranquil streets and the presence of other noble buildings. The palace is part of an urban context where entire blocks are filled with residential palaces and their respective garden areas. Although its facade is aligned with the street, the interior gardens remain hidden behind contiguous walls that rise to the second floor of the building, lending a sense of discretion and privacy.

Origin and Recognition

The construction of the Palacete do Conde de Agrolongo dates back to the early 20th century, having been built between 1907 and 1909. It was commissioned by José Francisco Correia, then Viscount of Sande and Count of Agrolongo, who sought a residence befitting his status. The project was designed by architect Arnaldo Redondo Adães Bermudes, an influential figure in Portuguese architecture of the time. The quality and architectural value of the work were quickly recognized, earning the architect an honorable mention in the prestigious Valmor Architecture Prize in 1910, for the work carried out in 1909.

The Eclectic Design

The palace is an example of the eclectic architecture that marked the turn of the 19th to the 20th century, combining elements from different styles in a harmonious composition. Its plan is quadrangular and spread across three floors. One of its most notable features is the presence of a tower, also with a square plan, which rises for four floors and is crowned by a viewpoint at the top, which once offered panoramic views of the city. In the original design, the second floor was intended for social areas, with spaces such as a winter garden and rooms with direct access to the exterior garden, while the third floor housed the bedrooms. However, time has brought significant alterations to the main facade, namely the suppression of some original decorative details, such as ornate moldings, pediments on the windows and doors, and balconies with balustrades, which once enriched its architectural expression.

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