Count-Baron of Alvito Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > São Bento

Location

Located in the São Bento area, in the heart of Lisbon, the Palace of the Count-Baron of Alvito stands as a prominent element in the urban landscape. Its presence is visible, marking the Largo do Conde Barão and Rua dos Mastros. Situated in an area of high historical and architectural value, this palace is covered by the Special Protection Zone of Bairro Alto and the classified properties in its surroundings, which underscores its importance in the city's heritage.

Architecture and Details

This imposing palace, which originated in the 16th and 17th centuries, features Mannerist architecture, with an irregular-shaped plan and a prominent volume. Its main façade, facing south, is particularly notable for how its two sections meet, creating a salient angle. Observe the regular rhythm of the openings, with their simply framed sills in stonework. The ground floor features a stonework cladding, while the first floor, formerly the noble floor, is embellished by chest-height windows and balcony windows with straight lintels, complemented by delicate wrought-iron railings. The main access to the interior, located in the eastern section of the façade, is distinguished by its larger opening and the curved upper frame.

Traces of a Noble History

The history of the Palace of the Count-Baron of Alvito begins in the late 16th century. As early as 1606, the building served as a residence for the Barons of Alvito, D. João Lobo da Silveira and his wife, D. Madalena de Lencastre, establishing a strong connection to Portuguese nobility. However, the tragic earthquake of 1755 caused extensive damage, forcing the family to abandon their residence. Throughout the 20th century, the palace saw various uses, serving, at different times, as an official educational institution and, more specifically, as part of the Escola Académica, thus witnessing the social and urban changes of Lisbon.

The Legacy of a Building

Currently, the Palace of the Count-Baron of Alvito is vacant, which means that its grandeur is, for the most part, appreciated from the exterior. In 2006, for safety reasons and due to concerns about the stability of its internal structure, the ground floor openings were sealed. Despite its condition, the palace remains a valuable testimony to the history and noble residential architecture of Lisbon. Its historical relevance was further highlighted by archaeological excavations carried out in 2015, which contributed to a greater understanding of its long trajectory.

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