Marquess of Minas Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Bairro Alto

Location

The Palace of the Marquises of Minas is located in Lisbon, in the heart of the vibrant Bairro Alto. The building extends between Rua da Rosa and Rua de São Boaventura, occupying a considerable part of a city block and seamlessly integrating into the urban fabric of this historic neighborhood. At the back of the palace, there is a walled courtyard, divided into two levels, offering a more secluded atmosphere.

Historical Legacy

The history of the Palace of the Marquises of Minas dates back to the second half of the 17th century, when it was built as a noble residence. During the 18th century, it became the home of the distinguished family of the Marquises of Minas, including D. Francisco de Sousa, who served as Portugal's ambassador in Rome. Although the Great Earthquake of 1755 caused some damage, the palace was restored, preserving its original features. Over the centuries, the building adapted to different functions, including, for a period in the 19th century, an orphanage for military orphans, always maintaining its importance in the Lisbon landscape.

17th-Century Architecture

The palace's main facade, facing east, is an example of Baroque residential architecture, retaining original 17th-century features. It stands out for its yellow rendering and the limestone ashlar frames that outline the windows and doors. The building's quoins are enhanced by pilasters, lending a particular solidity and elegance to the ensemble. The windows, both the sill windows on the ground floor and the French windows with elaborate wrought-iron railings on the noble floor, contribute to the facade's harmonious rhythm.

The Treasure of the Azulejos

Inside the Palace of the Marquises of Minas, one discovers one of its greatest treasures: a vast and remarkable collection of monochromatic azulejos, predominantly blue on a white ground, typical of the Baroque period. These line the walls of the vestibules and imposing staircases, as well as various rooms, transporting observers to other eras.

The themes of the azulejo panels are diverse and captivating. In the staircases, one can appreciate hunting scenes, with representations of wild boars, deer, lions, wolves, ostriches, and bears, and even some caricature figures and domestic animals that adorn the balustrades. On the noble floor, the rooms display wainscoting with gallant scenes, where nobles and ladies interact in palatial settings, and battle panels, depicting military camps and attacks on fortified villages. The palace chapel stands out with figurative azulejos illustrating moments from the Life of the Virgin, such as the Annunciation and the Adoration of the Magi. The old kitchen, in turn, is almost entirely covered by "figura avulsa" azulejos, with motifs of flowers, animals, and human figures, still preserving the original chimney.

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