Palácio Benagazil

Palácio Benagazil is an eighteenth-century palace in Lisbon, in the Olivais area next to the airport. Formerly known as Quinta do Policarpo or Quinta da Portela, it is now the headquarters of the agricultural organisation CONFAGRI. It is a modest but well-preserved example of the suburban country houses once kept by Lisbon's elite.

Where does the name Benagazil come from?

The estate was the recreation home and working farm of Policarpo José Machado, hence the name Quinta do Policarpo. It passed to his grandson, António Francisco Machado, who was made Viscount of Benagazil in 1814. The palace still carries the name of that title.

What does the building look like?

The old palace has two floors and an L-shaped plan, under a four-sided hipped roof typical of the late eighteenth century. The noble floor has three balcony windows framed by worked stone jambs and topped with small attic gables. The look is restrained rather than lavish, in keeping with a quinta, an estate that combined leisure with agricultural production.

How did its surroundings change?

The palace was once surrounded by the estate's productive land. That land was expropriated, and much of the property gave way to buildings serving the airport. The palace itself survived. Over the twentieth century it housed a daycare, was used by the TAP Club, which had a swimming pool there, and was later occupied by various Lisbon City Council services.

What is it today?

In 2014 CONFAGRI acquired the palace through a property exchange with the City of Lisbon. The building was rehabilitated and became the organisation's new headquarters. Since it is a working office rather than a museum, interior visits are not a standard attraction. Still, it is worth knowing about if you are interested in Lisbon's architecture and history away from the usual tourist trail.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Palácio Benagazil? In Lisbon's Olivais area, near the airport.

Who built the palace? It was the residence and recreation house of Policarpo José Machado; the Viscount of Benagazil title was held by his grandson, António Francisco Machado.

Can I go inside? It is CONFAGRI's headquarters, so the interiors are not open like a museum. Check visiting arrangements with the organisation beforehand.

When was it built? Its style points to the late eighteenth century.

What else has it been used for? A daycare, the TAP Club's swimming pool, and City Council offices.