Palácio de Eugénio Silva

Palácio de Eugénio Silva in Santarém is a seventeenth-century town house in the heart of the city, and it has housed the municipal council, the Câmara Municipal, since the 1950s. It stands on Largo do Município, one of the civic landmarks of Santarém in Portugal's Ribatejo region.

Why is it called Eugénio Silva?

The name comes from Eugénio de Carvalho e Silva, a wealthy businessman whose heirs sold the property. The municipality bought it in 1954 and turned it into its seat of government. Some visitor guides simply call the building the Santarém town hall (Câmara Municipal de Santarém), and a few use a different palace name, so it helps to know both labels when you look for it on a map.

What does the palace look like?

It is a good example of 1600s Portuguese civil architecture of the "solar" type, a noble residence. The façade is restrained and elegant, with classical lines. Look for the balcony-style sash windows (janelas de sacada) and the typical eighteenth-century window frames, which point to later alterations.

Inside, two rooms stand out: the Salão Nobre, the ceremonial hall, and the Sala das Virtudes dos Vereadores, decorated with eighteenth-century azulejo panels. These painted ceramic tiles are among the best-known forms of Portuguese decorative art.

How do you get there, and what is nearby?

The address is Largo do Município, 2000-027 Santarém, in the São Salvador parish. The council keeps private parking next to the building. Because it is a working administrative building, access to the interior depends on the council's rules. You can ask by phone on 243 304 200 or through cm-santarem.pt.

Other old-town sights are close by: the Sé de Santarém (cathedral), the Church of Santa Clara, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Monte. The palace fits easily into a walk through the historic centre, where several of these can be combined in one afternoon.

When should you visit?

You can see the façade and the square at any time of year. If you want to ask about entering, go on a weekday during office hours. Spring and early autumn are comfortable for longer walks around the hilltop town.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Palácio de Eugénio Silva the town hall? Yes. Since the building was purchased in 1954, it has been the seat of the Câmara Municipal de Santarém.

When was the palace built? Sources describe it as seventeenth-century civil architecture, with decorative elements added in the eighteenth century.

Can I see the azulejo interiors? The tile panels decorate the Sala das Virtudes dos Vereadores. As this is an official building, confirm entry conditions with the council before you go.

Where can I park? There is private parking by the building. Check availability on site or with the council.