Palacete da Viscondessa de Santiago de Lobão

Palacete da Viscondessa de Santiago de Lobão is an Art Nouveau villa with a garden in Porto, and one of the city's more interesting examples of architecture from the turn of the 20th century. Built for a wealthy emigrant who had made his fortune in Brazil, it still impresses with its interior decoration and a leafy setting that recalls its first owners' distant travels.

Who built the palacete, and why is it named this way?

The residence was commissioned by Lino Henriques Bento de Sousa, who came from the parish of Lobão in Vila da Feira. He belonged to a group typical of northern Portugal, the "Brazilians": emigrants who earned their wealth overseas and returned home to build showy houses. He lived here with his wife, Maria Albertina Saraiva de Sousa.

Their noble titles came from the crown. King Carlos I made him a viscount on 10 March 1906, and King Manuel II named him Count of Lobão on 22 February 1908. The building takes its name from the viscountess. The couple had no descendants, so they left the house and its contents to Porto City Council.

What does the architecture look like?

The whole complex is Art Nouveau. Decorative effects are combined with modern construction solutions, especially metal elements, which give it a remarkable coherence. The house resembles a chalet, with a rectangular plan and elevations given rhythm by the arrangement of its roofs.

Look for the eaves carried on carefully worked timber pieces, and for the glazing of the rear facade, held by a cast-iron structure.

What can you see inside?

The finest feature of the interior is its stucco ceilings, with sinuous, undulating lines woven together with flowers. They are the main Art Nouveau work of António Enes Baganha (1880-1934). They are a good reason to look up, showing how the organic forms of the style entered the everyday lives of Porto's well-off residents.

What is in the garden?

The palacete has a garden with large trees and exotic plants brought from Brazil, including oaks, jacarandas and magnolias. You will also find a handsome gazebo, a windmill, a greenhouse with coloured glass and a small lake. Together they form a calm corner that contrasts with the bustle of the city.

Who is it for?

• Fans of Art Nouveau and turn-of-the-century architecture.
• Visitors interested in the history of Portuguese emigration to Brazil.
• Travellers who want less obvious stops in Porto than the best-known landmarks.
• Photographers drawn to details of timber, cast iron and garden compositions.

Frequently asked questions

What style is the building? Art Nouveau, with a notable role for metal construction and rich decoration.

Who was the owner? Lino Henriques Bento de Sousa, a Brazil-returned emigrant from Lobão, later a viscount and then Count of Lobão.

What happened to the house after the owners died? The childless couple bequeathed it, with its contents, to Porto City Council.

Who made the ceilings? The stucco ceilings are by António Enes Baganha.

Is there a garden? Yes, with exotic plants from Brazil, a gazebo, a windmill, a greenhouse and a small lake.

Before visiting, check current opening hours and access rules, as they may change.