Cocheiras José Maria Eugénio

Cocheiras José Maria Eugénio, also known as Casa de Santa Gertrudes, are former stables and a carriage house in Lisbon, designed as a neo-medieval castle. The building stands in the São Sebastião district, within the former Parque de Santa Gertrudes, and is one of the capital's most intriguing examples of revivalist architecture.

Who was José Maria Eugénio de Almeida?

In the 19th century the Santa Gertrudes park belonged to José Maria Eugénio de Almeida, one of the richest men in Lisbon at the time. He was a partner in the royal contract for tobacco, soap and gunpowder, monopolies that generated huge profits. On his estate on what was then the edge of the city he had a residence built together with its service buildings. The house was designed by Jean Colson, while the stables and carriage house were the work of the Italian architect Giuseppe Cinatti.

Who designed the cocheiras?

The architect was Giuseppe Cinatti, an Italian who also worked as a scenographer at Lisbon's São Carlos Theatre. His stage experience shows: although the building served everyday practical needs, it was given a theatrical, fortified look. The park project is dated 1864.

What does the building look like?

The structure has an irregular, roughly U-shaped plan. The plastered facades rise two and three storeys, and dressed stone elements accentuate their rhythm. Crenellations crown the building, and towers and turrets recall medieval military architecture. The pattern of the battlements suggests defensive walls.

The windows vary and refer to Romanesque and Manueline styles, especially around the clock tower. The large clock tower brings to mind the Pena Palace in Sintra. The main facade also shows Italian influence, with a Lombard band and a loggia.

From stables to homes

Originally meant for horses and carriages, the building was later adapted for residential use. It is a case of revivalist utilitarian architecture, in which an ordinary farm-service building took the form of a romantic fortress. It remains the property of the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation today.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Cocheiras José Maria Eugénio? In Lisbon's São Sebastião district, on the grounds of the former Santa Gertrudes park.

Who designed them? The Italian architect and scenographer Giuseppe Cinatti; the residence in the same park was designed by Jean Colson.

What was the building used for? Originally as the stables and carriage house of José Maria Eugénio de Almeida's estate; it was later adapted for housing.

What style is it? Neo-medieval revivalism with references to Romanesque, Manueline and Italian architecture, featuring battlements, turrets and a clock tower.

Why is it worth seeing? It shows how, in the 19th century, even a service building could be given the form of a castle, and its silhouette of towers and battlements stands out among the surrounding buildings.

Who owns it? The Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, linked to the family of the estate's founder.