Palace of the Mitre

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Poço do Bispo

Location

The Mitra Palace stands in the Poço do Bispo area of Lisbon, an area with a history linked to the banks of the Tagus River. Its urban layout, once defined by its proximity to the riverside, gives it a particular setting within the city's fabric, marking the landscape with its historical and architectural presence. It is located on the former Rua Direita do Poço do Bispo, today Rua do Açúcar, reflecting the evolution and dynamism of this part of the Portuguese capital.

History and Conception

This notable building, known as the Mitra Palace, has its roots in past centuries, although its current design largely dates back to the 18th century. It was rebuilt by D. Tomás de Almeida, the first Cardinal-Patriarch of Lisbon, becoming an important summer residence for the city's Patriarchs. The name "Mitra" (Mitre) not only evokes the liturgical headwear worn by bishops and cardinals but also the collection of assets that historically sustained clerical figures, underscoring its intrinsic link to the ecclesiastical hierarchy. The palace's conception is attributed to the Italian architect Giacomo Antonio Canevari, with the possible collaboration of Portuguese architects Carlos Mardel and Rodrigo Franco, which is reflected in its Baroque aesthetic with Italian influences.

Architectural and Artistic Richness

The Mitra Palace is organized into two floors, developing from an imposing courtyard of honor. The main entrance stands out with a staircase of two converging flights, adorned at the base by a fountain and topped by a portal with elaborate moldings. On the façade, three Carrara marble statues can be observed, representing Saint Bruno of Cologne, Queen Saint Isabel, and the Immaculate Conception. Inside, the palace dazzles with a profusion of Joanine tile panels, predominantly blue on white. These ceramic artworks illustrate a diversity of themes, from hunting and pastoral scenes to mythological figures and allegories of the Four Elements. A particular highlight is the sumptuous ceremonial staircase, with its balustraded railing and tiles that create a trompe l'oeil effect. Complementing the ensemble, the palace includes a formal garden with boxwood beds and an ornamental fountain, as well as an old aqueduct that supplied two fountains, one of them of remarkable dimensions and Baroque beauty.

Legacy and Evolution

Over the centuries, the Mitra Palace has undergone various transformations in its use. From a patriarchal residence, it became public property at the beginning of the 20th century, serving, between 1940 and 1972, as the headquarters of the Lisbon Museum. This change of function demonstrates the versatility and importance of the building in the city's cultural and historical landscape. Recognized for its heritage value, the palace is classified as a Monument of Public Interest, which underscores its architectural and cultural relevance to the legacy of Lisbon.

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