Palace of Santana's Sidewalk

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Pena

Location

The Calçada de Santana Palace is located in Lisbon, in the Pena area, standing out at a notable point on Calçada de Santana. Its corner position means its main facades face this street and Rua do Instituto Bacteriológico. From the rear of the palace, where a garden area is situated, one can glimpse the Hospital de São José, as well as the slopes of Graça and Penha de França. The building is part of the protection area of Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, a significant space in Lisbon's urban landscape.

Architecture and Exterior Elegance

Dating back to the 18th century, this palace displays an architectural style that combines the sobriety of the "estilo chão" (ground style), characteristic of Portuguese post-earthquake architecture, with elements of Italian Baroque inspiration. It stands out for its notable horizontality and the symmetrical organization of its facades, especially the one facing Calçada de Santana. The openings, arranged regularly, vary between balconies on the noble floor and window openings on the other floors.

One of the most expressive features of the exterior is the main portal. Due to the slope of the terrain, it spans two floors and features a profusely worked stone frame, connecting to the central large window on the upper floor. This window has a larger balcony, also adorned with a sculpted stone frame and a curvilinear lintel with lobes, a detail typical of the Joanine Baroque.

Interiors and Decorative Richness

Upon crossing the thresholds of the Calçada de Santana Palace, a universe of refinement is revealed. The main atrium, a small chapel, and the imposing staircase leading to the noble floor are elements of particular interest. The various halls on this floor reveal sumptuous decoration, dominated by the Neoclassical style, with hints of Rococo, both characteristic of the late 18th century. You will find tiles, elaborate stucco work, and ceilings adorned with painted canvases.

The Pombaline tiles in the chapel and the tiled wainscoting on the main staircase, the latter in Neoclassical style, are noteworthy. The rooms on the noble floor facing west surprise with their exotic wood flooring, worked with geometric decorative motifs, revealing the attention to detail and luxury of the era.

A Historic Legacy

The history of the Calçada de Santana Palace dates back to 1740, when it was built on pre-existing structures, intended to be a wealthy private residence. The earthquake of 1755 caused significant damage, leading to a reconstruction that was completed in 1764. Over the years, the palace was enriched with notable decorative elements, such as the Neoclassical tiles from the Real Fábrica do Rato (1795) and the ceilings painted by Jean-Baptiste Pillemente in the early 19th century. Its halls and vestibules received French parquet flooring with exotic woods in 1800.

This building witnessed various phases of Portuguese history, having served as the Embassy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1867 to 1918. After a period as a private residence, it served as the headquarters for public services between 1940 and 1998. At the beginning of the millennium, the palace underwent an extensive and careful recovery process, completed in 2002, which preserved its beauty and historical-architectural value, making it once again a striking presence in the city of Lisbon.

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