Palácio do Conde de Óbidos

Palácio do Conde de Óbidos is a seventeenth-century palace in Lisbon, overlooking the Tagus next to the National Museum of Ancient Art. Today it houses the national headquarters of the Portuguese Red Cross and is sometimes opened for cultural and corporate events.

Where is the palace and how do you find it?

The building stands in Lisbon beside Jardim 9 de Abril, a garden with a viewpoint (miradouro) framed by a harmonious group of buildings. Its neighbours are the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga and the Palácio Óbidos-Sabugal, the current seat of the Red Cross. The coordinates are roughly 38.7041 N, 9.1634 W. The palace is also known as Palácio da Rocha, because it sits on top of a large rock formation visible from the river.

Who built it, and when?

The palace was built in the 17th century by Vasco de Mascarenhas, Count of Óbidos. He served as Viceroy of Brazil and was a hero of the Portuguese Restoration Wars. The name of the palace comes from his title.

What happened after the 1755 earthquake?

The 1755 earthquake seriously damaged the building. It was reconstructed toward the end of the 18th century, and much of the interior dates from that period. The plan is U-shaped, with a parallelepiped volume and roofs of two and three slopes.

What is inside?

The noble floor has six sumptuous rooms: Conselho Supremo, Parábolas, D. João de Castro, Grinaldas, Mitologia and the dining room. All are covered in 18th-century azulejo panels, the painted ceramic tiles that are a hallmark of Portuguese decorative art. The interiors are the main reason the palace appeals to history and design enthusiasts.

How has its role changed?

In 1919 the Portuguese Red Cross bought the building for 65 contos. Since 1993 it has been classified as a Property of Public Interest (Imóvel de Interesse Público), which protects its heritage value. The organisation still has its seat here, and selected rooms are rented out for meetings, concerts and corporate events.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit the palace like a museum? It is not a typical museum with regular opening hours. The building works as an office and event venue, so access usually depends on scheduled events or arrangements with the Red Cross. Check current details with the organiser before you go. Phone number from OSM: +351 213 912 600.

What else is nearby? Right next door is the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Portugal's leading collection of historic art, while Jardim 9 de Abril offers views over the river. It makes a quiet stop on a walk through Lisbon.

Why is it also called Palácio da Rocha? Because it stands on a large rock that can be seen from the Tagus.

When did the Red Cross acquire it? In 1919, for 65 contos.

Is the building protected? Yes, it has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1993.

For visitors who want something beyond Lisbon's best-trodden routes, the palace combines noble history, post-earthquake rebuilding and colourful azulejos in one place, with the Tagus view just beside it.