Count Baron of Linhó Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa

Location

Situated in the vibrant city of Lisbon, in the heart of the urban area of Campo de Ourique, the Palácio do Conde Barão de Linhó stands out as an isolated property surrounded by walls. Its position offers a sense of exclusivity, being sheltered from the city's bustle by a courtyard and a garden that lend tranquility to the site. This palace is a discreet yet notable landmark on Saraiva de Carvalho and Santa Isabel streets.

Memory and Nobility

The Palácio do Conde Barão de Linhó dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, bearing witness to the evolution of noble residential architecture in Lisbon. This manor house was, for several generations, the main residence of a distinguished family, linked to the 1st Baron of Linhó, António Borges Coutinho de Medeiros Sousa Dias da Câmara. The building's history is intimately tied to this lineage, which maintained ownership until the mid-20th century, preserving its aristocratic legacy and its original function as a family home.

Architectural Style

The palace's architecture is an interesting fusion of styles, combining Pombaline elements with romantic features. The main building, with its U-shaped plan, is organized around a quadrangular courtyard, giving it an imposing structure. The facades are finished with painted plaster, complemented by a robust socle and stone ashlar quoins. Observing the main elevation, facing the street, the window openings stand out; on the ground floor, they are rectangular, and on the noble floor, they transform into elegant balcony windows, adorned with individual wrought-iron balconies. A central balcony, with a curved profile, protrudes, adding a touch of distinction to the ensemble.

The Formal Garden

At the edges of the property, especially at its southern end, a beautiful formal garden is revealed. This green space is carefully designed with pruned and organized boxwood, creating a classic and structured environment. The garden offers a serene contrast to the grandeur of the palace, inviting a moment of contemplation amidst the meticulously maintained vegetation and the landscaping elements that reflect the tastes of the era.

A Curious Nickname

Beyond its historical and architectural grandeur, the Palácio do Conde Barão de Linhó is popularly known by a name that sparks curiosity: the "Casa dos Fantasmas" (House of Ghosts). This informal designation, which has become rooted in the city's oral tradition, adds an element of mystery and fascination to the site. Although it is merely a popular nickname, it contributes to the identity and imagination surrounding this remarkable Lisbon building, making it a point of interest not only for its beauty but also for the stories attributed to it by the people.