Palace of the Dukes of Palmela

The Palace of the Dukes of Palmela (Palácio Palmela) is a neoclassical residence in Lisbon, on Rua da Escola Politécnica near Largo do Rato. Its imposing but sober façade gives little hint of the decorative richness inside. Today it houses the Attorney General's Office of Portugal, so it is best seen as an architectural and historical landmark rather than a typical ticketed attraction.

Who built the palace and when?

The design dates to 1792 and is the work of Manuel Caetano de Sousa, an architect of the royal court, who planned it as his own residence. The building shows the shift from Baroque to Neoclassicism: a symmetrical façade, rectangular windows and wrought-iron balconies.

Why is it called Palmela?

In 1823 the palace was sold at public auction to the first Count of Póvoa. During the 19th century it passed to the Palmela family, one of Portugal's influential noble houses, which gave it its name. The new owners enlarged it with an upper floor and a garden pavilion, and clad the exterior in pink marble. In 1865 and 1866 the duchess worked with the French artist Célestin-Anatole Calmels on redesigning the interiors, and he kept supplying artworks to the palace until the turn of the century.

What happened in the 20th century?

For some two centuries the building and its garden had only two kinds of occupant. Until 1977 it was a home for the aristocracy and upper middle class. In 1977 the Portuguese state acquired it, and since 1982 it has served as the seat of the Attorney General's Office. A fire in 1981 completely destroyed the chapel and badly damaged the building. The palace was rebuilt, but valuable artworks and much woodwork were lost.

Can you go inside?

Because it is a working government building, it is not normally open like a museum. Guided visits and special events sometimes give access to the interiors and the terraced garden, so check current dates before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the palace? In Lisbon, on Rua da Escola Politécnica, close to Largo do Rato.

What style is it? A transition between Baroque and Neoclassical, with a symmetrical façade and wrought-iron balconies.

Who designed it? Manuel Caetano de Sousa, in 1792.

What is it used for today? It is the headquarters of Portugal's Attorney General's Office.

Did the chapel survive? No, it burned down completely in the 1981 fire.

For visitors exploring Lisbon, the palace makes a worthwhile stop on a walk around Largo do Rato, showing what an aristocratic city residence looked like at the turn of the 19th century.