Palácio dos Condes de Tomar, Lisbon

Palácio dos Condes de Tomar is a nineteenth-century city palace in Lisbon, standing next to the Church of São Roque. It pairs a restrained, orderly exterior with richly decorated Romantic interiors. Today it serves as a cultural and intellectual venue, and it occasionally opens its doors for guided visits.

Who built the palace, and when?

The palace went up in the second half of the 19th century on the initiative of António Bernardo da Costa Cabral, 1st Count and 1st Marquis of Tomar, a prominent politician of his day. It was meant as his urban residence. It rose over earlier structures: the site's story begins in the 16th century, when land owned by the Trinitarian friars beside São Roque began to be developed.

What does the building look like?

The volume is simple. The plan is L-shaped and the mass roughly box-like, spread over four floors, one partly underground and another at roof level. Stone quoins mark the corners and a stone plinth runs along the base of the facades. Openings follow a regular rhythm, mostly with straight lintels, which gives the exterior a calm character.

The interior is a contrast. Its Romantic decoration draws on many materials and techniques: ornamental plasterwork, leather, painted and coloured glass, azulejo tiles and wrought iron. The grand staircase in particular has been studied as an example of the palace's decorative heritage.

How has the palace been used?

In 1970 Lisbon City Council bought the building, and in 1973 it installed the Hemeroteca Municipal there, the city's newspaper and periodicals library. Since 2012 the palace has belonged to the heritage of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa under an agreement with the city. Since 2020 it has been home to Brotéria, a Jesuit cultural and intellectual institution.

Can you go inside?

It does not operate like a standard museum with daily opening hours. It does, however, appear in guided-visit programmes, some of them free, and in cultural events, including some linked to the Lisbon Triennial. Check dates in advance with the organisers, for example Brotéria or the e-cultura portal.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the palace? In central Lisbon, close to the Church of São Roque.

What style is it? The exterior is understated, while the interiors are Romantic, with rich plaster decoration, azulejos, glass and wrought iron.

Who is based here today? Brotéria has been here since 2020. The palace has belonged to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa's heritage since 2012.

Do I need a ticket? It depends on the event. Guided visits have sometimes been free, but bookings and dates must be checked each time.

Why visit? It is a rare chance to see 19th-century Lisbon interiors in a palace that has changed roles over the years: politician's home, press library, cultural centre.

Tips for visitors

Combine the palace with a stroll around the São Roque area in the historic centre. Plan ahead, because access to the interiors depends on the programme of events and guided visits. Bring a camera if photography is permitted, and look closely at the details: plasterwork, stained and painted glass, azulejos and the wrought-iron railings. It suits anyone who enjoys architecture and Lisbon's history away from the busiest routes.