About this place
Palácio de São Roque is a former noble palace on the edge of Lisbon's Bairro Alto district, also known as Palácio Niza or Palácio Portugal da Gama. Today it belongs to the complex of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa and has been reopened to residents and visitors with a museum-oriented programme.
Where is the palace?
The building sits on the edge of Bairro Alto. Its main entrance faces Largo Trindade Coelho, while the long side façade runs along Travessa da Queimada. This is where the district's old streets meet a formal square, so a visit pairs easily with a stroll around the neighbourhood. The palace is part of the São Roque ensemble, a group of buildings tied to the Lisbon Misericórdia.
What is the history of the palace?
The palace was built in 1543 by Francisco da Gama, 2nd Count of Vidigueira, on land granted by Lisbon's municipal council. For a long time it stayed with the descendants of Vasco da Gama. In 1631, debts forced the family to sell it to Gaspar Freire, a nobleman attached to the royal household.
Four years later, Vasco Luís da Gama, 5th Count of Vidigueira and 1st Marquis of Niza, bought the palace back. It was renovated in 1672. When the great earthquake struck in 1755, the palace was home to Lisbon's first Patriarch, Tomás de Almeida. That layered ownership explains why sources use several names for the same building.
What changed in recent years?
The palace underwent a thorough rehabilitation designed by architect João Pedro Falcão de Campos, completed in September 2020. The project was put forward for the Prémio Nacional de Reabilitação Urbana, Portugal's national urban rehabilitation award. After the works, the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa reopened the building to the city with a museum programme.
Who is it for?
- Readers of Portuguese history, especially the age of discovery and the da Gama family.
- People interested in architecture and in how old buildings get new roles.
- Visitors wandering Bairro Alto who want a stop beyond the bars and viewpoints.
Frequently asked questions
Is Palácio de São Roque the same as Palácio Niza? Yes, sources use both names for the same palace; Palácio Portugal da Gama is also used.
Who built it? Francisco da Gama, 2nd Count of Vidigueira, in 1543.
When was the renovation finished? In September 2020, to a design by João Pedro Falcão de Campos.
Where is the entrance? On Largo Trindade Coelho; the side façade faces Travessa da Queimada.
Who runs it? The Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa. Check opening hours and tickets on the Museu de São Roque website before you go.
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