Necessidades Palace

Palácio das Necessidades (Necessidades Palace) is a historic building in Lisbon, standing on the Largo do Rilvas square in the Estrela district. Once a convent complex and later a royal palace, it is now the headquarters of the Portuguese Foreign Ministry. Since 1983 it has been classified as a Property of Public Interest (Imóvel de Interesse Público).

Where is the Necessidades Palace?

The palace sits in Lisbon, in the civil parish of Estrela (Prazeres), on the Largo do Rilvas. This is a greener, calmer part of the city, west of the historic centre. Next to the palace lies the former garden estate tied to the complex, known as the Tapada das Necessidades.

How was the palace built?

The story begins in 1604, when a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Needs (Nossa Senhora das Necessidades) was built here. In 1742 King João V acquired the surrounding farmland and commissioned Italian architects to create a larger complex. It was to include a chapel, a convent for the Oratorian congregation and a royal residence. Construction ran from 1743 to 1752, finishing only a few years before the great earthquake of 1755 that devastated much of Lisbon. The building is regarded as a fine example of Baroque architecture.

A royal palace of the House of Braganza

In the 19th century the former convent became a royal residence. Under Queen Maria II it served as a royal palace and remained the home of the Braganza monarchs, with the exception of Luís I. It was here that the last act of the Portuguese monarchy played out, in October 1910, during the revolution that ended royal rule in the country.

What is it today?

After the fall of the monarchy the building took on a new role. It now houses Portugal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One source dates the ministry's occupation of the building to 1916, but this comes from a single listing and should be treated with caution. Because the palace serves an official function, it is best appreciated as a landmark from the outside and as part of the district's character.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Necessidades Palace used for today? It is the seat of Portugal's Foreign Ministry.

When was it built? The complex was built between 1743 and 1752 on the orders of King João V; a small chapel had stood on the site since 1604.

What architectural style is it? It is Baroque, designed by Italian architects.

Why does it matter in Portuguese history? It was a residence of the Braganza kings through the 19th century and played a part in the final events of the monarchy in October 1910.

Is it protected? Yes. Since 1983 it has been classified as a Property of Public Interest.