Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Alvalade > São João de Brito
The Palácio dos Coruchéus (Coruchéus Palace) is located in the Alvalade neighbourhood, in Lisbon. This area, now fully urban, was once a rural area with extensive estates. The palace stands on the site where the Quinta dos Coruchéus (Coruchéus Estate) once existed, now integrated into the neighbourhood's residential landscape, in a space that includes a garden and other structures dedicated to culture.
The palace's origin dates back to the 18th century, as an integral part of a rural property, the Quinta dos Coruchéus (Coruchéus Estate). At that time, the surrounding area consisted of agricultural and pastoral lands on the outskirts of Lisbon. The building functioned as support for the estate's activities on the ground floor and as a residence on the upper floor, belonging to wealthy families connected to rural production.
After the 1755 earthquake, which caused it damage, the palace underwent significant reconstruction, believed to have occurred in the late 19th century. The current structure is, therefore, the result of that intervention, which made use of parts of the original building and testifies to the area's transition from rural to urban.
The palace's architecture reflects the different phases of its history. Despite the extensive reconstruction, a characteristic balcony with a loggia, believed to be original to the 18th-century building, was maintained. It is possible to observe the reuse of materials, such as old tiles with distinct patterns in some areas, and stone steps that suggest adaptations over time. The building has an "L" shaped plan and features decorative elements such as a tile panel with albarradas at the entrance. The decorative finials in stone or wood, known as "coruchéus", which gave the place its name, are no longer present in the current construction.
Acquired by the Lisbon City Council in 1945, the Palácio dos Coruchéus had various functions before establishing itself as a cultural space. It was even used as a warehouse to store costumes and props for the city's large historical processions, a memory that endures in the local community. Currently, the palace is part of a municipal complex dedicated to plastic arts. It houses the Biblioteca dos Coruchéus (Coruchéus Library), a public library specialized in art, which enlivens the space with temporary exhibitions and activities related to the artistic and cultural universe.
The palace is set in a calm environment, surrounded by a garden that invites a peaceful stroll. This outdoor space is part of the Coruchéus Complex, which also includes ateliers where artists work. While walking through the garden, it is possible to appreciate the palace's surroundings and find artworks integrated into the landscape, such as a sculpture by José Pedro Croft, which enrich the cultural experience of visiting this place.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7510338,-9.1441965
Coordinates DMS: 38°45'3.7"N 09°08'39.1"W
Weather Alvalade
On-duty Pharmacy Alvalade
