Commandery Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Setúbal > Quinta do Lopes

Location

Situated in the Quinta do Lopes urbanization, in the locality of Setúbal, the Palácio da Comenda majestically rises on one of the slopes of the Arrábida mountain range. Its privileged position offers panoramas over the Sado estuary, Albarquel beach, and the city of Setúbal. The palace is located in a rural and isolated area, enveloped by dense vegetation, at the top of a ravine where the Ajuda stream meets the Sado, providing stunning views of the natural and aquatic landscape.

Historical Legacy

The history of Quinta da Comenda is remarkable, with roots extending back to Roman times, evidenced by vestiges of ancient cetariae, tanks used for salting fish and seafood. In the medieval period, a watchtower, known as Comenda de Mouguelas, marked the strategic importance of the site. In the 19th century, a first dwelling was erected on the structure of an old military fort. Later, in 1872, the property was acquired by the French diplomat Ernest Armand, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this location.

The Architecture of Raul Lino

In the early 20th century, the Palácio da Comenda gained its current form under the design of the acclaimed Portuguese architect Raul Lino. This was one of his first works, but it already revealed his vision of respect for nature and the pursuit of balance between construction and the surrounding environment. The palace was designed to integrate into the topography of the promontory, utilizing the old fort walls as its foundation. Its ample balconies were conceived to embrace the river view, and elements such as the tile panels, by ceramist José António Jorge Pinto, contribute to its singular aesthetic.

Panoramic Views

The choice of location for the construction of the Palácio da Comenda was largely determined by the scenic beauty of its surroundings. From its windows and balconies, as well as from a lounge that functions as a viewpoint on the upper floor, it is possible to contemplate a vast and diverse landscape. The harmony between the palace's architecture and the natural scenery of Arrábida, with the green of the mountains contrasting with the blue of the Sado, make this place a privileged observation point.

Heritage Recognition

Currently, the Palácio da Comenda is a building recognized for its heritage and historical value, and is in the process of being classified as a Property of Municipal Interest. This recognition underlines the cultural and architectural importance of the palace, which, over the years, has also served as a stay for notable figures, such as Lee Radziwill and the writer Truman Capote, attesting to its prestige and the attractiveness of its natural surroundings.

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