About this place
Palacete dos Condes de Sampayo is a historic mansion in Alhos Vedros, in the municipality of Moita, across the Tagus from Lisbon. It once belonged to the Morgado da Casa da Cova family, tied to the Counts of Sampayo, and today it serves as a cultural and exhibition space. For travellers looking beyond the usual routes around Lisbon, it is a rewarding stop with real history behind it.
What is the Palacete dos Condes de Sampayo?
The building is also known as the Palacete do Morgado da Casa da Cova. It stands in Alhos Vedros, an old settlement on the Tagus estuary, and forms part of Moita's local architectural heritage. After years of decay, the municipality chose a phased restoration aimed at halting the deterioration.
How was it restored?
Moita's council planned the works in several stages. The first phase was designed by the studio Víctor Mestre – Sofia Aleixo arquitetos and cost more than 920,000 euros. It was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the Lisboa 2020 and Portugal 2020 programmes. When that phase ended, the mansion opened to visitors on 17 December.
What can you see?
The opening showcased the Coleção Régia, a set of eighteenth-century portraits of Portuguese kings by the painter Miguel António do Amaral. The council intends the mansion to become part of a municipal museum structure that would join the Portuguese Network of Museums.
Link with the Moinho de Maré da Azenha
The palacete forms a single cultural space together with the Moinho de Maré da Azenha, a tidal mill. Between them they offer flexible rooms and grounds for exhibitions, conferences and small performances. A visit can easily be combined with seeing the traditional mill, which harnesses the river tides.
Frequently asked questions
Where is it? In Alhos Vedros, municipality of Moita, Setúbal region, on the south bank of the Tagus opposite Lisbon.
Can I visit? Yes, it opened to the public after the first restoration phase. Check the Moita council website for current hours and exhibitions.
How long should I allow? About an hour is usually enough for the exhibition, a little longer if you add the tidal mill.
Who is it for? Anyone interested in history, portraiture and local heritage who wants a less touristy side of the Lisbon area.
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