Palácio dos Arcos

Palácio dos Arcos is a historic palace in Paço de Arcos, in the municipality of Oeiras, on the Tagus estuary a short distance from central Lisbon. With origins reaching back to the late 15th century, it is one of the oldest landmarks of the town, and local tradition holds that the village took its name from the palace and its arches.

Who built Palácio dos Arcos?

The original residence was raised in the late 15th century by Antão Martins Homem, a nobleman of the House of the Infantes and the second captain-major of Vila da Praia in the Azores. Over time the house became a family seat and the centre of an estate by the river.

What is its link to the Age of Discovery?

Accounts say that from the balcony facing the Tagus, King Manuel I watched ships leave for India on several occasions. The king and his daughter Maria are believed to have stayed here more than once, taking part in hunts and witnessing the departure of the caravels. That maritime association is a big part of the palace's appeal.

What happened after the 1755 earthquake?

The great earthquake of 1755 almost completely destroyed the original house. It was rebuilt within the same century, with a facade already resembling the present one: two towers flank a central block whose balcony rests on three round arches. The coat of arms of the Lencastre family can still be seen on the balcony.

Who owned the palace?

In 1698 Teresa Eufrásia de Meneses created the Paço de Arcos entail, with the palace as its seat. It passed to the Lords of Alcáçovas and then to later descendants, among them the Lencastre and Saldanha families, down to the Counts of Arrochela. Their heirs sold the right to use the building to Oeiras City Council in 2001.

What is inside today?

The palace now houses the five-star hotel Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos. The building therefore remains in active use, and guests can experience a structure that has overlooked the bay for centuries. If you are not staying overnight, the facade with its arches and towers is still worth seeing from the town side.

Planning a visit

Paço de Arcos lies on the coastal railway line between Lisbon and Cascais, so getting there by train is easy. The palace pairs well with a stroll through the seafront part of town and other heritage sites in the Oeiras municipality. Its coordinates are 38.6959 N, 9.2897 W.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the name Paço de Arcos come from? According to local tradition, from the palace and its arches.

When was the palace built? In the late 15th century; after the 1755 destruction it was rebuilt in the 18th century.

Is there a hotel inside? Yes, the five-star Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos operates here.

Who built the original house? Antão Martins Homem, a nobleman linked to the Azores.

Does the palace belong to the town? Since 2001 Oeiras City Council has held the right to use the building.