Beau Séjour Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > São Domingos de Benfica

Location

The Beau Séjour Palace is located in Lisbon, in the São Domingos de Benfica area. It stands out in the urban landscape as it is set within its own estate, isolated from the street by a wall and its garden. Although in the heart of the city, it maintains a refuge-like atmosphere, inviting a pause from the urban pace.

A Romantic Heritage

The history of Beau Séjour Palace begins in the mid-19th century, around 1849, when the Viscountess of Regaleira commissioned the construction of this residence. Her intention was to create a comfortable resting place during travels between Lisbon and Sintra. The initial style, with its architecture and gardens, evoked the Parisian romanticism of the era, giving the estate a decidedly French character.

Later, in 1859, the property was acquired by the Baron of Glória, a figure who had made his fortune in Brazil and who, upon returning to Portugal, undertook extensive renovations. He was responsible for enriching the facades with elegant Portuguese tilework, some sourced from the historic Roseira factory, and for introducing Art Nouveau aesthetic elements into the palace's interior, transforming it into a notable example of 19th-century architecture.

Artistic and Architectural Treasures

The interior of Beau Séjour Palace is a testament to the artistic richness of the period, especially after the interventions promoted by the nephews and heirs of the Baron of Glória in 1887. For this renovation, important artists from the Grupo do Leão (Lion Group) were invited, such as the Bordalo Pinheiro siblings (Columbano, Rafael, and Maria Augusta) and the interior decorator Francisco Vilaça.

The intervention of these masters can be appreciated in various spaces: in the Painting Gallery, where Francisco Vilaça adorned the ceiling with allegories of Painting and Sculpture; in the Music Room, which displays stucco work inspired by classical mythology, also by Vilaça; and in the Golden Hall, whose ceiling is dominated by the impressive canvas "The Carnival of Venice," painted by Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro. The Dining Room stands out for a large ceramic panel with a washbasin, a remarkable piece by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, reflecting his mastery of faience.

The Romantic Gardens

The Beau Séjour Palace is complemented by its gardens, conceived in the romantic spirit of the 19th century. These spaces have been carefully restored and today offer an exotic and welcoming atmosphere. Strolling along the paths, visitors discover a miniature romantic garden, with areas of dense vegetation and winding trails.

One of the central elements of the garden is its irregularly shaped lake, which was once navigable and includes a small islet. Here and there, shelters and sculptures dot the landscape. The flora is varied, featuring notable specimens such as the imposing sequoia and araucaria, testaments to the former owners' passion for unique botanical species. This house and garden ensemble is considered one of the most important examples of Portuguese art from the Romantic to the Naturalist period.

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