Antigas instalações do jornal O Século

Antigas instalações do jornal O Século (the former premises of the newspaper O Século) is a historic complex on Rua do Século in Lisbon, in the Santa Catarina parish next to the Bairro Alto. It is classified as a building of public interest (imóvel de interesse público), at roughly 38.7123 N, 9.1479 W.

What is the building?

The complex consists of two neighbouring buildings on Rua do Século: numbers 41–59 and numbers 61–63. The first is the Palácio dos Viscondes de Lançada, an 18th-century palace. The second is a later addition attached to the palace's central body, built in 1913.

How did a palace become a newspaper headquarters?

In the 18th century the palace belonged to Manuel de Sampaio de Pina e Brederode, grandfather of the Viscount of Lançada. In the 19th century it was a favoured meeting place of romantic Lisbon, with figures such as Almeida Garrett, Júlio de Castilho and Fontes Pereira de Melo among the guests.

In 1881 the newspaper "O Século" moved into the palace. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the building was altered and extended, mostly to suit the needs of the newspaper's operations. The annex at numbers 61–63, added in 1913, belongs to this phase.

Why is the street called Rua do Século?

The paper left its mark on the city map itself. The street formerly known as Rua Formosa has been called Rua do Século since 1911. It is one example of how the press influenced place names around the Bairro Alto, a district later associated with Lisbon journalism.

What to know before visiting

• Address: Rua do Século 41–63, Lisbon.
• It is best seen from the street as part of a walk through the Bairro Alto and the Príncipe Real area. The sources we found say nothing about interior visits, so check locally first.
• It suits anyone interested in press history, 18th to 20th century architecture and old Lisbon.

Frequently asked questions

Where were the O Século premises? At Rua do Século 41–63 in Lisbon, in the Santa Catarina parish.

Since when was the newspaper based in this palace? Since 1881.

What is the Palácio dos Viscondes de Lançada? An 18th-century palace forming the main part of the complex, at numbers 41–59.

When was the second building added? The part at numbers 61–63 was added in 1913.

Where does the street name come from? The former Rua Formosa was renamed Rua do Século in 1911, after the newspaper.