Category: Civil Architecture > Palace
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > São Cristóvão e São Lourenço
Caldas Palace stands in the heart of Lisbon, integrated into the historic urban fabric of the parishes of São Cristóvão and São Lourenço. The building prominently marks Largo Adelino Amaro da Costa, formerly known as Largo do Caldas, decisively contributing to the architectural identity of this area of the capital.
Its central position in the city allows for an immersion in the typical atmosphere of Lisbon's streets, with their nooks and perspectives that tell centuries of history, from the post-earthquake reconstruction to the contemporary life that surrounds it.
This remarkable palace dates back to the period of great urban renewal in Lisbon, having been built between 1765 and 1775 by the Rodrigues Caldas brothers. Its construction took place on the ruins of the old Ximenes Palace, which succumbed to the devastating earthquake of 1755, making Caldas Palace a testament to the city's resilience and reconstruction capacity in the 18th century.
Its architecture faithfully reflects the Pombaline style, characterized by sobriety, functionality, and elegance. The palace features an irregular "L" shaped plan, developed around a rectangular courtyard. The main facade, composed of four floors, stands out for its regular composition of openings, which display stonework frames, and for the continuous balcony on the top floor that runs its entire length, giving it an imposing and harmonious presence.
Inside Caldas Palace, the grandeur and artistic details reveal the richness of a noble house. A spacious rectangular vestibule welcomes visitors, leading to an imposing stone staircase with opposing flights, which ensures the connection between the various floors and the corridors that organize the building's internal compartmentalization.
One of the most distinctive elements is its rich tile heritage. Along the corridors and in various rooms, it is possible to admire tile sets from different periods, including wainscoting with gallant scenes in monochromatic tones, inserted into elaborate polychrome Rococo-influenced borders. Pombaline period patterned tiles and religious panels are also found in the chapel's nave, telling stories and masterfully decorating the spaces.
The palace chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of Conception and built in 1766, is a space of particular interest. Its interior reveals a single nave and a raised chancel, both with barrel-vaulted ceilings adorned with ornamental painting. In the chancel, a gilded carved altarpiece stands out, enriched by fluted columns and a representation of the mystical lamb, flanked by sculptural figures of saints. The Palace was also the residence of Father Francisco Rodrigues da Cruz between 1927 and 1948, a figure whose beatification process is underway and whose former room is considered a place of devotion.
Originally conceived as a noble residence for the Caldas brothers, the palace witnessed various transformations over the centuries. It remained in the possession of descendants of the Caldas family, the Caldas Machado ladies, who later donated it to the Patriarchate of Lisbon, its current owner.
Since 1974, Caldas Palace has been the headquarters of a political party organization, remaining a place of public relevance and a symbol in the civic life of the capital. Its history, from its residential origins to its current function, reflects the adaptability and continuous importance of this building in Lisbon's urban and social fabric.
Coordinates DD: 38.711728875, -9.1353792625
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'42.2"N 09°08'7.4"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
