The Roly-Poly Toy Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Bairro Alto

Location

The Palace of Bichinho de Conta is located in the heart of the Bairro Alto, one of Lisbon's most historic and emblematic areas. Its façade discreetly asserts itself on Rua de O Século, an artery that winds through the neighborhood, fitting into the urban fabric that preserves much of the city's original layout. The presence of a walled garden, which gently curves towards Rua do Século, lends a unique ambiance to this building within the city landscape.

Origins and Legacy

This palace, built in the 17th century, has witnessed centuries of Lisbon's history. Initially, the property belonged to the distinguished Monteiro Paim family, whose members would later bear the title of Counts of Alva. At the end of the 19th century, the building changed ownership, being acquired by Leopoldo Wagner. The name by which it is known today, Bichinho de Conta, is linked to the figure of Dona Juliana de Sousa Coutinho, one of the personalities who inhabited and marked the history of this unique space.

Architectural Aesthetics

The architecture of the Palace of Bichinho de Conta reveals remarkable harmony and discreet elegance. The main structure is spread over three floors, with the upper floor being a later addition, dating from the 19th century. On the ground floor, the façade is punctuated by doors of various sizes and openings that repeat with regularity.

One of the most distinctive elements is the ensemble formed by the main door and the first-floor window, which are directly connected, flanked by two pinnacles embedded in the wall, framing a balcony. Along the main front, the continuous balcony windows give the building an elegant and cohesive rhythm. Two tall chimneys, with their imposing profile, complete the silhouette and contribute to the visual identity of this historic palace.

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