Category: Civil Architecture > Palace
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Olivais Sul
The Palácio do Contador-Mor is located in the Olivais Sul area of Lisbon. This remarkable building is set within a quinta (farm estate) that, despite the urban expansion surrounding the area, has been intentionally preserved. Its location offers a glimpse into a rural heritage that harmoniously coexists within the city's fabric, inviting a more tranquil and distinctive atmosphere.
This palace owes its name to the position of "Contador-Mor" (Chief Accountant), an important figure in the Portuguese royal administration. Its connection to this designation comes from the Van-Zeller family, who were associated with this title, and whose coat of arms can still be seen today on one of the building's corners, marking its long history and lineage. Although the property has undergone some alterations over time, it retains elements that recall its original construction.
The facade of the Palácio do Contador-Mor is presented in a strong yellow hue, giving it a distinctive presence. One of its most characteristic elements is the tower-belvedere, which has undergone renovations over the years. Currently, the interior of the palace houses the Bedeteca de Lisboa (Lisbon Comic Library), a multifaceted cultural space. Here, visitors will find a vast collection of comic books, as well as other features such as a phonotheque, a videotheque, a bookstore, an auditorium, and areas dedicated to exhibitions, making the palace a hub of culture and knowledge.
The quinta where the palace is located is renowned for a significant literary association. It is said that this place served as inspiration for "A Toca" (The Den), the romantic and secret setting for the loves of Carlos da Maia and Maria Eduarda, central characters in Eça de Queirós' celebrated novel Os Maias. Although there are some doubts about the exact correspondence of the building's layout with the work's description, this connection gives the palace an aura of literary charm and mystery, inviting the imagination of those who visit it.
In addition to the palace, the extensive grounds of the surrounding quinta now function as a Quinta Pedagógica (Pedagogical Farm). This space invites direct contact with the rural environment within an urban context, offering visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about practical aspects of farm life. It is an interesting complement to a visit to the palace, providing a diverse and educational experience, especially for those seeking a moment of tranquility in a natural setting.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7635613, -9.1130644647059
Coordinates DMS: 38°45'48.8"N 09°06'47.0"W
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