Palácio do Patriarcado

Palácio do Patriarcado is the seat of the Patriarchate of Lisbon, the administrative headquarters of the city's Catholic archdiocese. The Baroque palace stands on Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, east of the historic centre, and still serves as a church office. It is a building best admired from the outside, yet it shows clearly how the story of the Church is woven into the story of Lisbon.

When and by whom was the palace built?

The building dates from 1730. Its design is attributed to the architect João Frederico Ludovice, best known for the Mafra convent, although the attribution is not settled. The palace belongs to the golden age of Portuguese Baroque, funded by Brazilian gold under King John V.

How has it changed over time?

In 1857 the palace underwent a major remodelling, which gave it much of the appearance visible today. For most of its first two centuries it was a secular residence, and only later passed to the Church.

How did it become the Patriarchate's seat?

In 1913, under a lease agreement with Lisbon's Santa Casa da Misericórdia, the Patriarchate installed its headquarters in part of the building. Patriarch D. António Mendes Belo, freshly returned from exile, moved in. The setting was political: after the proclamation of the republic in 1910, relations between state and Church in Portugal were strained, and clergy were sometimes forced to leave the country.

The Patriarchate bought the rest of the palace in 1923 and 1926 and has owned all of it ever since.

What else is there around it?

The palace lies in the Campo de Santa Clara area, one of Lisbon's oldest and most characterful districts. According to tradition, King Afonso Henriques camped here in 1147 before taking the city from the Moors. After he fulfilled a vow made to Saint Vincent, the Church and Monastery of São Vicente de Fora rose on the site. In 1288 King Denis added the Monastery of Santa Clara, which gave the square its name. In the 16th century Princess Maria, daughter of Manuel I, chose the area for her palace and for the Church of Santa Engrácia, today the National Pantheon.

Nearby you will find the Feira da Ladra flea market, and the hillside offers views over the Tagus and the rooftops of Alfama. A walk toward São Vicente de Fora combines easily with a look at this palace.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Palácio do Patriarcado? It is the seat of a church institution, so it does not operate like a typical museum. The easiest way to see it is from the street; for any access, check with the Patriarchate of Lisbon.

Is it the same as the São Vicente de Fora monastery? No. The São Vicente de Fora monastery was also linked to the patriarchs in the 19th century: it was handed to the Patriarchate in 1834, and one patriarch resided there first. The palace on Campo dos Mártires da Pátria is a separate building that became the headquarters in 1913.

When is the best time to visit the area? On Tuesdays and Saturdays, when the Feira da Ladra market runs, though it is busier then.

How do I get there? Tram 28 or tram 12 will take you to the neighbourhood, and you can walk from there.