Iglésias Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa

Location

The Iglésias Palace stands in a central area of Lisbon, at Largo da Belas Artes, number 2. Its position within the capital city's urban fabric makes it easy to discover this building, placing it in an area with a characteristic atmosphere of the city.

Its alternative designation, "Palace of Fine Arts," stems from its proximity to an art educational institution, which lends the location a certain cultural and historical ambiance.

Architecture and Origins

Dating back to 1859, the Iglésias Palace exhibits a notable neoclassical style, an architectural expression that marked Lisbon's landscape in the 19th century. The project is due to the work of the Italian architect Giuseppe Cinatti, a relevant figure of the period.

Initially, the building was conceived as the main residence of the Iglésias family, a name linked to the business, military, and financial world of the time, reflecting the importance and status of its first owners.

Traces of the Past

Throughout its existence, the palace has witnessed several metamorphoses. It began as a private residence, later evolving to house government departments, such as the Directorate-General of Livestock and, later, the Ministry of Economy, after being acquired by the Portuguese State in 1971.

A notable aspect is how the palace constitutes a true "spatial palimpsest." The building was constructed on the remains of the Church of the Martyrs, from the 17th century, which was destroyed in the Great Earthquake of 1755. During repair works in 1976, ruins and human remains from that ancient church were rediscovered, giving the site a unique historical depth. Although the facade retains its original structure, the interior has undergone several interventions over the years, particularly after the 1969 earthquake, to adapt to its administrative functions.

A Contemporary Cultural Space

Currently, the Iglésias Palace assumes a new vocation under the designation of Palácio das Belas Artes Lisboa (PdBA). It transforms into a dynamic artistic-curatorial project, functioning as a digital museum.

This space is dedicated to holding exhibitions, promoting public meetings, organizing workshops, and hosting artistic and curatorial residencies. Thus, the palace offers a contemporary cultural experience, connecting its rich past with current artistic expressions.