Palácio da Cova da Moura

Palácio da Cova da Moura is an eighteenth-century Lisbon residence that was thoroughly restored in the early twentieth century and later became a seat of Portugal's defence authorities. It stands near Avenida Infante Santo, in the western part of the city.

What is the Palácio da Cova da Moura?

It is a former private palace built in the 1700s. It was renovated in the twentieth century, and critics of the day judged the result to be carried out within a traditional Portuguese architectural idiom. Today it is best known as a building of architectural and political significance, closely tied to the armed forces.

Who restored it and who owned it?

The restoration was designed by the architect Tertuliano de Lacerda Marques (some sources give the name as Tertuliano Marques de Lacerda). The builder was Frederico Ribeiro. The palace and its garden were bought from António de Serpa Pimentel, leader of the Regenerador Party, by João Ulrich, a director of the Banco Ultramarino. By 1923 Ulrich was recorded as the owner.

Did the building win any awards?

Yes. In 1921 the palace won the Prémio Valmor, Lisbon's prestigious architecture prize for outstanding buildings in the city. It is one of the main reasons the palace is remembered in the story of Lisbon architecture.

How did its use change?

In the mid-twentieth century the property passed into military hands. In 1956 work began on extending the western wing, overseen by the Administrative Commission for new army facilities. In 1961 the Ministry of National Defence was installed in the palace.

What historical events took place here?

In April 1961 the building was the setting for an attempted coup led by General Botelho Moniz. The attempt did not change the country's political system, but it shows how important a centre of military power the palace had become.

Even more significant was 25 April 1974, the day of the Carnation Revolution. The General Secretariat of National Defence was housed here at the time, and the building was chosen as headquarters of the Junta de Salvação Nacional (National Salvation Junta), which took power after the fall of the dictatorship.

Can you visit it?

The palace serves defence-related functions, so you should not assume it is open like a typical museum. Check the current access rules in official sources before you go. Even from outside, it is an interesting stop for anyone curious about early twentieth-century Lisbon architecture and Portugal's recent history.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Palácio da Cova da Moura? In Lisbon, near Avenida Infante Santo.

Who designed the restoration? The architect Tertuliano de Lacerda Marques; the builder was Frederico Ribeiro.

What award did the building win? The Prémio Valmor in 1921.

Why is the palace important in Portuguese history? In April 1961 General Botelho Moniz attempted a coup here, and on 25 April 1974 the building was headquarters of the Junta de Salvação Nacional.

Who owned it in the 1920s? João Ulrich, a director of the Banco Ultramarino, who bought the estate from António de Serpa Pimentel.