Belmonte Palace or D. Fradique's Courtyard

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santa Maria Maior

Location and Importance

Palácio Belmonte is located in Pátio de D. Fradique, in the heart of the historic Alfama district of Lisbon. This building has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 2002, standing out as one of the city's historical landmarks.

Origins and History

Built in 1449 by Brás Afonso Correia, the palace was erected on Roman and Moorish ruins. Over time, it was expanded and transformed by different owners, including Rui de Figueiredo and Pedro Álvares Cabral, the famous discoverer of Brazil.

Architecture and Tiles

Palácio Belmonte preserves unique elements of Portuguese architecture, such as the walls, towers from the 15th and 16th centuries, and a terrace that offers stunning views of Alfama and the Tagus River. In addition, it houses an impressive collection of 59 18th-century tile panels, created by masters Manuel Santos and Valentim de Almeida, which depict scenes of Christian life and the Portuguese court.

Transformation into a Hotel

Currently, the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel, with 10 suites that honor important figures in Portuguese history, such as Fernão de Magalhães and Gil Vicente. The hotel's atmosphere celebrates Portuguese culture and history, offering a unique experience to its visitors.

Recognition and Culture

In 2000, Palácio Belmonte was awarded by Prince Charles' foundation for its exemplary restoration, which respected the building's environmental and heritage integrity. This recovery was led by the current owner, Frédéric Coustouls, who acquired the palace in 1994, in a state of near abandonment. The site has also served as a setting for films such as "Lisbon Story" by Wim Wenders, and "Afirma Pereira" with Marcello Mastroianni.

Views and Ambiance

The palace offers privileged views of the city of Lisbon, including Alfama and the Tagus River. The garden, the 18th-century chimney, and the historical surroundings make this space an unmissable point of interest for anyone visiting the Portuguese capital.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palácio_Belmonte

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