Category: Civil Architecture > Palace
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santo Amaro
The Vale-Flor Palace is located in Lisbon, in the elevated area of Alto de Santo Amaro. Its position grants it, at certain points, a view over the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Tagus river. Although situated in a residential area, the palace stands out due to its imposing presence, protected by an extensive walled garden that defines its property.
Built in the late 19th century and completed in the early 20th century, the Vale-Flor Palace was the residence of José Luís Constantino Dias, to whom D. Carlos I granted the title of Marquis of Valle Flor. The richness of its eclectic architecture and its historical importance led to its classification as a National Monument in 1997, recognizing its invaluable worth for Portuguese heritage.
The palace features a residential architecture of eclectic style, conceived by architects such as Nicola Bigaglia and José Ferreira da Costa, with contributions from Miguel Ventura Terra. Inside, highly valuable decorative details stand out. It is possible to admire an entrance atrium clad in polychrome marbles and a grand staircase leading to the noble floor. On this floor, rooms such as the oriental-inspired one, with painted ceilings and "Namban" elements by Eugénio Cotrim, and the neo-rococo style one, with mirrors, gilded carvings, and paintings by Carlos Reis on the theme of music, demonstrate the opulence of the era. No less interesting is its circular-plan chapel, adorned with marble pilasters and Ionic capitals, and the halls of the north wing, whose ceilings display paintings by Constantino Fernandes.
The palace is surrounded by a vast garden of romantic design, inviting a peaceful stroll. This green space is a delight for the senses, with its diversity of plant species and carefully designed nooks. Among the elements that punctuate the garden, the Lake House stands out, a unique oriental-style pavilion from the late 19th century. There are also four female statues symbolizing the seasons, and the Portuguese pavement paths that wind through the vegetation, offering different atmospheres along the route. Even the old stable building, across the street, draws attention due to its horseshoe shape and the marquis's coat of arms visible on its central turret, complementing the palace's landscape ensemble.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.703748221429, -9.1867365285714
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'13.5"N 09°11'12.3"W