Palace of the Counts of Carnide

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Carnide

Location

The Palace of the Counts of Carnide is located in the Carnide area of Lisbon, a neighborhood that still preserves a certain charm of old Lisbon's rurality. Situated within the Old Zone of Carnide-Luz, the palace stands out in the urban environment as an isolated element of great historical value. Its main facade faces Largo do Jogo da Bola, a public space that invites observation of its imposing presence.

This location offers a unique experience of contrast between city life and the memory of a past where the estates on the outskirts of Lisbon combined leisure with agricultural activity, functioning as true green oases within the urban fabric.

A Historical Legacy

The origin of the Palace of the Counts of Carnide dates back to the 18th century, with its main construction around 1763. However, the property complex, which includes the estate, garden, and woodland, possesses even older elements, with a primitive core of 17th-century noble houses and rustic components from earlier periods. The palace became notable for its connection to the Street de Arriaga Brum da Silveira family, who would later receive the titles of Viscount and, subsequently, Count of Carnide.

Throughout the 19th century, the estate gained relevance due to agricultural innovation, driven by the 1st Viscount of Carnide, a renowned agronomist. The property was a center for pioneering experiments in beekeeping, fertilization, and drainage systems, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of the time and the value of the old estates that surrounded the capital.

Architecture and Palace Details

The architecture of the Palace of the Counts of Carnide presents itself in a rectangular and robust form, with a hipped roof. The main facade, sober and in Pombaline style, is divided into two stories by a frieze and rhythmically punctuated by ashlar pilasters topped with pyramidal finials. On the ground floor, one observes rectangular doors and breast-high windows, protected by cast-iron grilles.

Inside, a large entrance hall reveals 18th-century tile panels, transporting the visitor to the ambiance of the era. A monumental late 17th-century Baroque staircase, decorated with blue and white tiles, leads to the noble floor, where one can imagine the life of Lisbon's high society of yesteryear.

The Gardens and Natural Surroundings

To the south of the palace extends a set of gardens and green spaces that were an integral part of the old estate. The formal garden, with its design of topiary boxwood and a circular tank in the center, offers a harmonious setting inviting contemplation. The monochromatic 18th-century tile panels embellish this space, giving it a unique artistic and historical character.

In addition to the garden, the property included a woodland and other agricultural dependencies. Although urban advancement has transformed the surrounding landscape, the estate has largely maintained its original character, being a valuable example of the recreational and production estates that dotted the Lisbon region in past centuries.

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