Archbishop's Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Loures > Santo Antão e São Julião do Tojal > Quinta do Aqueduto

Location

The Archbishop's Palace, also known as the Mitra Palace, is located in the parish of Santo Antão e São Julião do Tojal, in the municipality of Loures. It is part of the Quinta do Aqueduto area, in a region that combines the urban environment of the Santo Antão do Tojal settlement with its surrounding rural aspects. The palatial complex, with the church and the Palace-Font, defines a monumental square, a rare example of Baroque planning in Portugal, which structures part of the locality.

Memories of a Solemn Residence

This imposing palace had its origins in an old rural estate, acquired at the end of the 13th century by D. Domingos Anes Jardo, then bishop of Lisbon. Over the centuries, the site evolved, with a primitive building from the 13th century giving way to a new palace around 1554, on the initiative of Archbishop D. Fernando de Vasconcelos. However, its current grand and Baroque form is due to the reconstruction undertaken in the 18th century by the first Patriarch of Lisbon, D. Tomás de Almeida. The project benefited from the mastery of the Italian architect Canevari, who was responsible for giving the palace its elegant design. This place served as a summer residence for archbishops and, later, for patriarchs of Lisbon, and even hosted visits from Portuguese royalty, such as D. João V. In the 20th century, in 1915, it recorded a notable moment when it hosted a meeting of deputies from the Assembly of the Republic, who were prevented from accessing São Bento Palace.

Details of Art and Architecture

The architecture of the Archbishop's Palace reveals a U-shaped plan, with a façade of Italian inspiration standing out. This façade is adorned with three Carrara marble statues, representing Saint Bruno of Cologne, Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, and the Immaculate Conception. Inside, the art of 18th-century Portuguese tiles is one of the most captivating features. The blue and white tile panels, of great quality and thematic richness, illustrate varied scenes, from the seasons and rural or hunting and fishing landscapes, to mythological figures. The main staircase is embellished by notable "invitation figures," depicting doormen and halberdiers in sumptuous 18th-century attire, creating a trompe l'oeil effect. The Hall of Blessings, in particular, displays exquisite work in marbles of various tones and a wooden coffered ceiling with polychrome carving, reflecting the taste of D. João V's era.

The Aquatic Ensemble and Gardens

In addition to the palace, the property is complemented by a notable ensemble of aquatic and landscape elements, all dating from the 18th century. The aqueduct, approximately two kilometers long, was essential for supplying water to the complex's fountains, some of which are true works of art, such as the monumental fountain incorporated into the Palace-Font. This two-story building features a central fountain preceded by a seven-step fan-shaped staircase and is considered one of the most elegant in Portugal. There is also a smaller fountain, known as the Chafariz dos Arcos, distinguished by a stone bas-relief alluding to the souls in Purgatory and a peculiar inscription. The gardens, which once functioned as an agricultural estate for the bishops, have been transformed, now featuring tree-lined avenues and tanks. Two circular dovecotes, artistically covered with polychrome tiles, and benches decorated with tile panels, such as the one depicting Spring, add beauty and charm to this heritage site.

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