Marquês Fontes Pereira de Melo Mansion

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa

Location

Situated in the heart of the vibrant city of Lisbon, the Palacete do Marquês Fontes Pereira de Melo is integrated into the urban fabric of the Portuguese capital, in one of its historic areas. Its presence reflects the opulence and social standing of the old noble families who inhabited the city, contributing to the architectural and cultural richness that characterizes Lisbon.

History and Recognition

This notable palace, founded in the 18th century, dates back to the 18th century, a period of great effervescence and transformation for the city of Lisbon. Originally, the property belonged to the Figueiredo Cabral, a noble family with strong ties to the Lords of Belmonte. The palace witnessed the profound changes that followed the 1755 earthquake, having undergone significant improvements and adaptations that consolidated it in the urban landscape.

Its historical and heritage value is formally recognized, being classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Municipal (Building of Municipal Interest). This distinction highlights its importance to Lisbon's memory and architectural legacy, ensuring the preservation of a unique example from its era.

Architecture and Style

The architecture of the Palacete do Marquês Fontes Pereira de Melo constitutes a fascinating example of the transition and coexistence of styles in 18th-century Lisbon. It presents a harmonious fusion of the characteristics of the Baroque, with its grandeur and ornamental details, and the distinctive features of the Pombaline style, which emerged after the 1755 earthquake. The latter, marked by rationality, symmetry, and structural robustness, is evident in the solutions adopted during the post-earthquake improvements.

The facade and its volumes, while possessing Baroque opulence, also denote the functionality and sober elegance of Pombaline reconstructions, typical of the city reborn from the ashes. Attentive observers can appreciate the details that reflect these two artistic currents, which complement each other to create a building of unique beauty and historical relevance.

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